[ad_1]
Frank Lampard insists that he never had doubts about the selection of Antonio Rudiger after the recall of the Chelsea defender.
The German international looked ready to leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closed, having fallen into the pecking order.
But having failed to secure a transfer, Rudiger has left Lampard impressed with his professionalism and his desire to return to the first team.
Last week, the pair had further talks about their future and Rudiger was included in the squad for the goalless draw with Manchester United on Saturday.
And the 27-year-old made his first campaign start in Wednesday night’s 4-0 win over Krasnodar in the Champions League.
Having traded a three at Old Trafford, the Blues returned to a four in Russia, with Rudiger pairing Kurt Zouma at the heart of the defense.
“I am very satisfied with the performance of Rudiger and Zouma,” said Lampard.
“They can take credit for the clean sheet, among other players.
“I had no doubts about Toni. His training and professionalism have been clear since I’ve been here, and certainly in the last few weeks.
“And I was pleased with the last five [including goalkeeper Edouard Mendy] concentration levels, having a real desire to keep a clean sheet.
“It’s not easy to keep five center-backs happy, but we need that level of competition to move forward.”
Chelsea are perhaps the most intriguing team to watch in the Premier League this season, so make sure you don’t miss a thing by signing up for Mirror Football’s brilliant newsletter!
Frank Lampard’s team caused a sensation over the summer by spending over £ 250 million to bring in the likes of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, Edouard Mendy and Thiago Silva.
They have given them one of the most powerful attacks in the Premier League, but behind them is a defense that continues to filter goals, with draws 3-3 against West Brom and Southampton already behind them.
Now every time Chelsea makes a splash, she’ll get an update delivered to her inbox.
From the latest transfer news to key talking points and agenda-setting stories, get it all.
How do you register? It is simple. Place your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions at this link.
Now Rudiger is back firmly in the mix with three more games before the international break.
Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has endorsed Lampard’s handling of the defender, as well as his decision in his bid to change the club’s defensive Achilles heel.
Speaking about BT Sport, Cole said: “I think it was spot on,” Cole said. BT Sport.
“Rudiger has been a good Chelsea player, he is a leader, he is a great player in Germany, he is a great character in the locker room.
“The goalkeeper, Kepa [Arrizabalaga], has not been resolved, so he has addressed that situation by bringing Mendy.
“He also brought in Thiago Silva, if you had said it last season, what do Chelsea need? They need an experienced central midfielder, who can speak and dominate, and he has.”
“Frank has filled the gap. He recognized that the team conceded too many goals last year ”.
The Blues will face Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday in their next Premier League outing.
Subscribe to the Mirror Football email here for the latest transfer news and gossip
[ad_2]
