Gabby Agbonlahor claims Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger shirked a sort out with Karim Benzema on Tuesday night time as he didn’t need to wreck a summer time transfer away from Stamford Bridge.
Blues defender Rudiger might have stopped Benzema successful the ball simply earlier than the Frenchman scored into an empty web to make it 3-1 to Real Madrid within the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Former Aston Villa forward Agbonlahor believes Rudiger, who’s often recognized for his sturdy defending, was aware of not getting injured amid rumours the German is planning to depart Chelsea at the end of the season.
Talking on talkSPORT, he mentioned: ‘I do know it was a nasty move on Mendy, however Rudiger’s tackle was somebody who didn’t need to get injured.
‘It was like he’s acquired a transfer prepared and he didn’t need to damage himself.’
Rudiger’s contract runs out in just a few months’ time and the 29-year-old has been closely linked with a transfer to Real and PSG this summer time.
Chelsea have been hindered in extending Rudiger’s stay as authorities sanctions on their owner Roman Abramovich means the membership is presently prevented from providing him a brand new contract.
Earlier this week, former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot agreed with Agbonlahor that Rudiger might have been stronger within the problem with Benzema because the Blues now face an upward battle to overturn their 3-1 deficit on the Bernabeu later this month.
‘I agree with you, he might have gone harder,’ Melchiot mentioned. ‘And he went together with his left foot as an alternative of his proper and usually if you make the tackle with your proper, and also you go all the best way (you’d win the ball).
‘The whole lot was half, half ball, half challenge, and that’s why Benzema (scored).’
Since becoming a member of from AS Roma in 2017, Rudiger has been a revelation at Chelsea and has been a everlasting starter under supervisor Thomas Tuchel.
Throughout his time in west London, Rudiger has lifted the Europa League, Champions League and an FA Cup.
Follow Topgist.ng across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
