Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno says the gunners squad are in agreement that it is ‘difficult to play against’ Chelsea central defender Antonio Rudiger.
Rudiger looked set to leave Stamford Bridge last summer window after being pushed down the pecking order of centre-backs at Chelsea under Frank Lampard.
Article continues below
But the 28-year-old defender has established himself as a key member of the Chelsea team since Thomas Tuchel took over at the end of January.
The German star has formed a part of a compact Chelsea defence which has already kept 18 clean sheets in 26 matches under Tuchel.
Arsenal shot-stopper Leno – Rudiger’s fellow Germany international – recently conceded he wants his Arsenal team-mates to find their ‘nasty’ streak.
And when asked which of his Germany teammates have that trait within them, Leno named Timo Werner and Rudiger, along with Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich and Man City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
‘I immediately think of Joshua Kimmich because he’s a calf bite,’ the goalkeeper told Sport1. ‘Ilkay Gündogan is also a brutal player. He may not interfere, but he plays very intelligently.
- Michael Owen makes top-four prediction after Liverpool’s win over West Brom
- “Kante cheats a lot” – Paul Pogba gives honest verdict on Chelsea star
- Thomas Tuchel sends warning to Chelsea players over Mason Mount
‘Timo Werner is also a disgusting player because he always goes behind the chain and looks for the rooms there.’
When it came to Rudiger, Leno revealed that Arsenal players are in agreement that the player is a tricky opponent to play against.
‘Antonio Rudiger is also a good example: Everyone at Arsenal has said that it is extremely bitter and difficult to play against him,’ he added.
‘Such players are good for a team and hurt the opponent.’