Chelsea must ‘try EVERYTHING’ they can to keep star defender Antonio Rudiger, says William Gallas

CHELSEA must ‘try everything’ to keep Antonio Rudiger this summer.

The German in the lead role is Chelsea reach to Club World Cup final with victory over Al Hilal but is out of contract at the end of the season and continues to be linked with a move.

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RudigerThe 28-year-old turned down a £140,000-a-week offer earlier this season and has now been offered close to £200,000-a-week to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Former Chelsea hero William Gallas, who won two Premier League titles and a League Cup with the Blues, thinks the club must keep their star centre-back – especially with Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen is also out of contract.

He told SunSport: “If you bring in another defender, he has to be so talented and he has to understand the system, because it’s not easy to play three in the back.

“Antonio has shown everyone how good he is. He has been very important to Chelsea for a long time.

“Chelsea will try in every way to keep him.”

Rudiger has emerged as one of the best defenders in the world under Thomas Tuchel and has become an important cog in his 3-4-3 formation.

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As well as earning critical acclaim at full-back, Rudiger was an absolutely vital part of Chelsea’s attacking play, often going forward and scoring crucial goals.

In fact, only three players – Joao Cancelo and Ruben Dias of Man City and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool – have had more touches of the ball than Rudiger at Prem this season.

Only Cancelo, Dias and City team-mate Aymeric Laporte held the ball forward more often than Rudiger and only those three and Rodri had more passes.

“He’s going very well, he’s scoring,” Gallas added.

“The most important thing is to defend well, but at the same time to support your midfielders and strikers.

“He does that very well.

“It’s good to have a good midfield and striker but [to be a great team] you need to have great, great defenders. “

Chelsea are also locked in talks with Azpiliucueta and Christensen.

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5G at Stamford Bridge

STAMFORD BRIDGE has become the first Premier League stadium to have a full 5G network.

Shirt sponsor Chelsea Three now promises fans inside the field an ultimate connected experience that allows for strong phone signals, video calls, fast download speeds and even HD streaming. .

Five Blues ‘G’ legends – Gianfranco Zola, Eidur Gudjohnsen, William Gallas, Geremi and Rob Green – were at the stadium this week to help kickstart the high-speed network.

Chelsea CEO Guy Laurence said: “What Three has achieved at Stamford Bridge is groundbreaking and a testament to the power of their 5G network.

“The possibilities for how we can enhance the stadium and fan experience are endless and our team is delighted that the game is now live.

“Staying connected is essential for fans, and mobile has become an integral part of game day.

“5G allows us to begin to unify physical and digital to deliver amazing fan experiences.

“With Three by our side, we will be able to deliver the next generation of connected entertainment and continue our quest to be one of the most innovative clubs in world football.”

Ex-Arsenal and Tottenham man Gallas says keeping club captain Azpilicueta, 32, would be an easy decision because “You need players who understand the system and the leaders.”

But the question of Christensen’s future presents a more difficult proposition.

Dane, who made his 150th Chelsea appearance in the win over Al Hilal, looks set for a breakout campaign following a stellar performance in the Champions League final and a strong Euro 2020 campaign. .

But the 25-year-old defender has been constantly leaving this season due to poor form, injury and the arrival of Trevoh Chalobah and recently Malang Sarr.

Before Jose Mourinho first arrived at Stamford Bridge, Gallas had built a close partnership with John Terry at the heart of defence – but has since become himself on and off the team following Mourinho’s arrival. and Ricardo Carvalho.

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The versatile Gallas finally returned to the team and offered some advice to Christensen.

The Frenchman, speaking as Three launched Stamford Bridge as the first Prem stadium with a 5G network, said: “For me, the answer is easy.

“When you start playing and come back to the bench it means you have to do more.

“Not only defending, participating in attack, scoring goals.

“Sometimes you have to understand how you can make a difference.

“You have to understand if your position is in jeopardy, you need to show something new to your coach.”

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