When it comes to goal-scoring, two types of players deliver. Either they are the poachers who seem to be the target man for the team, like Erling Haaland, or dribbling players who dribble through the whole team, like Lionel Messi. Recently, the ever-present Real Madrid defender, Antonio Rudiger, was asked who’s tougher to defend against.
Antonio Rudiger stole the limelight as he completed his transfer to Real Madrid from Chelsea for $44 million back in July 2022. He has been regarded as one of the best defenders ever since, showcasing how good he is.
Coming forward to his fantastic start to the season, Antonio Rudiger was asked by the reporters what type of players are tougher to defend. Direct players like Erling Haaland or magical dribblers like Lionel Messi, as Rudiger answered the question, everybody was shocked.
Answering the reporters Rudiger said, “Defending against tough opponents? It is what I live for. Those are the moments I love – when all odds are against you when everyone talks against you. This is how it was with Haaland. I live for those moments”.
He further added, “It is tough to defend against tall players like Haaland or Osimhen, but I prefer to play against players of this height – rather than players of the height like Messi for example”.
He loves to play against players of his height so that he can show his main abilities, like his physical attributes. With massive players like Haaland, Rudiger can be physical with them, whereas against players like Messi, he cannot bring in the physicality as they will swiftly move away.
Antonio Rudiger transforming the Real Madrid defence
The arrival of Antonio Rudiger sadly coincided with the departure of two of the greats at Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane. With both of the 5-time UCL champions departing at the same time, many thought Real Madrid might go back to the starting years of this century.
Instead, Antonio Rudiger has been a revelation for Madrid. Since his arrival, they haven’t won the La Liga title; however, they went on to win the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, losing to the eventual winners, Manchester City.
Real Madrid, since Antonio Rudiger’s arrival, has unfortunately also been suffering defensive injuries, which have also coincided with some poor results. But Rudiger hasn’t stepped a foot back and has been contributing his best form to the team. Stopping crucial attacks by the opposition again and again.
Nonetheless, Rudiger’s transformation at Real Madrid is undeniable. He has evolved from a Chelsea warrior to a Bernabéu star, a leader on and off the pitch. His passion, dedication, and ever-improving soccer intelligence make him a vital cog in the Los Blancos defense.
As he continues to grow alongside this ambitious team, one thing is clear: Rudiger‘s story at Real Madrid is far from over. He has the potential to write his chapter in the club’s illustrious history, a chapter filled with trophies, triumphs, and the unwavering roar of the Bernabéu faithful.