Tottenham Hotspur linked with a transfer for German ace: A smart move by Mourinho?

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly want to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, who could be allowed to leave the Blues. Rudiger has been with the London club since 2017, after joining them from AS Roma for around £29 million.

According to Sky Sports, Tottenham are keen on signing Rudiger after being priced out of a move to sign Inter Milan’s, Milan Skriniar. Rudiger has not played for Frank Lampard’s team this season, and is no longer seen as the first-choice centre-back at Chelsea.

The German has played 115 times for Chelsea over three seasons, and was a regular member of the starting XI before this season. The German’s current contract with the Blues expires in 2022.

Antonio Rudiger to Tottenham Hotspur – A smart move by Mourinho?

Antonio Rudiger was a key player for Chelsea in his first two seasons at the club. Despite being fit this season, he has not played a single game so far as Lampard has preferred the likes of Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma, and more recently, Thiago Silva.

It seems like the German does not have a future at the club and may not feature heavily in the 2020-21 season. Chelsea’s loss could be Tottenham’s gain, as they still haven’t replaced veteran defender Jan Vertonghen. The Belgian left the club at the end of the 2019-20 season.

Manager Jose Mourinho has used Davinson Sanchez, Toby Alderweireld, and Eric Dier at the back. Dier has done well in the centre-back position to his credit.

Mourinho does not seem to want Juan Foyth, while Japhet Tanganga has been injured, further reducing Mourinho’s options at the back.

Rudiger’s arrival would add more quality and experience to the Tottenham backline, and also improve the squad depth. The German is a good passer of the ball and can bring the ball out from the back. He averaged 74.6 passes in the Premier League last season, while also playing 5.7 long balls per game.

Spurs should make a move for the German as they desperately need to sign at least one centre-back, someone who can play alongside Davinson Sanchez or Eric Dier.

Rudiger has vast experience and could add solidity to the Spurs defence. He could grow as a defender under a manager like Mourinho, who puts a lot of emphasis in positioning, and defensive awareness.

Tottenham will play a lot of games this season, and need to ensure they avoid last season’s situation when several of their first-team regulars were on the treatment table.

Stats via Whoscored