Chelsea have their first win of the season and a much-needed injury boost as Antonio Rudiger’s return to starting eleven edges closer. Frank Lampard will breathe a sigh of relief after his side registered a narrow win over new boys Norwich at Carrow Road in game week three, adding three points to the chart for the first time in the league this season. Tammy Abraham scored a memorable brace in the 3-2 win along with Mason Mount, scorer of consecutive games now. Difficulties at the back are still quite evident, causing a lot of eyebrow-raising among the supporters.
Chelsea have conceded seven goals in last three games which isn’t acceptable for the long run in the season but Frank would be happy by seeing Rudiger’s comeback from an injury-hit five months. The German is almost there to take a starting berth ahead of Kurt Zouma who is very vulnerable.
Rudiger quoted, “I have been back for almost two weeks with the team and I am feeling better each day. But of course there is still game fitness missing, which is what I need to get better.”
“I know I need to be patient. There is no need to rush anything at the moment because we have a long season to go. You have to go day by day and that is what I am doing.
“I have to test myself before I play in the Premier League. It was good to get back on the pitch because there is no holding back and that is what I need to get fit. I was very pleased and thankful to the development team for having me there.”
Rudiger’s return to first-team action will serve as a great support to Frank’s tactics that are entirely depended on attacking prowess unlike its predecessor Sarri and Conte. It is just like those days when the legend himself as a player was showing his class in the midfield, becoming the top goalscorer of all time in the club’s history. Back then a certain Didier Drogba in the attack and John Terry’s leadership in the defense led to successful ventures for them.
To demonstrate the same in future, Chelsea’s defence has to be solid no doubt. Even though David Luiz wasn’t the revolutionary man in the defense, his presence was, however, productive. Now that he has joined rivals Arsenal, Rudiger has even bigger responsibility on his shoulder. It won’t be a new thing for him because during Luiz’s injury and fall down with the previous manager Rudiger did create a decent partnership with Andreas Christensen at the back. Although it wasn’t a classy centre-back pairing, the duo did prevent dropping off points for their side.
Now the question is how the former Roma defender builds upon Frank’s tactics. Playing with an attacking style of play demands full concentration on the back and a firm grip on the positioning. Most of the goals that Chelsea has conceded is from counters so that is an issue as well. Rudiger’s concern is that he’s the man who has to be the figure to soak up the pressure and be demanding. Thus, his involvement is utmost important.
