ANTONIO RUDIGER is ready to play the lead role in helping Chelsea solve their defensive problems.
Rudiger played only his second game of the season as the Blues booked their place in Monday’s Champions League last-16 draw with victory over Lille.
Antonio Rudiger has made just one appearance in the Premier League this seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
They looked far more solid at the back with their senior centre-half finally taking command — a major boost for boss Frank Lampard going into the second half of the season.
And the German star, 26, vowed to be the voice of leadership to help Kurt Zouma, Fikayo Tomori and Andreas Christensen become a fearsome force.
Rudiger said: “I see myself as helping them. I am always loud on the pitch, especially with the young guys because you need to help them.
“There will be a period — that is normal because we are all human — when performances will go down.
“But being one of the most experienced at the back, I need to help those young guys. I’m in for that. I’ve always been commanding.”
Rudiger’s return comes at a crucial time for Chelsea on the back of a slump in the league — in which they have lost three in four games.
Five points still separate them from fifth-placed Manchester United, and ex-Dortmund ace Rudiger says it is vital the young squad do not get carried away by an impressive first four months of the campaign.
He added: “We are in a good position but we need to be aware of performances like the ones against Everton and West Ham.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
