Rob Green has praised reported Newcastle United transfer target Antonio Rudiger on BBC Radio 5 Live for his efforts as Real Madrid dumped Chelsea out of the Champions League.
A shellshocked Los Blancos rallied to win 5-4 on aggregate after extra-time at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night. Carlo Ancelotti’s La Liga leaders held a 3-0 lead from the first-leg tie at Stamford Bridge last week. But Thomas Tuchel’s men took control away in Spain.
Mason Mount and Rudiger gave the Blues hope for a historic comeback, before Marcos Alonso saw his equaliser ruled out for handball. Yet a patient Timo Werner worked a shot moments later to put Chelsea ahead, only for Rodrygo to meet Luka Modric’s brilliant ball.
Karim Benzema would then break Chelsea’s spirits six minutes into extra-time and seal the Galacticos a place in the semi-finals. But Rudiger still dazzled ex-Blues stopper Green, who hailed the defender who is set to leave west London when his contract ends this summer.
Newcastle are attentive to Rudiger’s situation at Chelsea, with The Telegraph reporting the club will fight for his free transfer. He has also caught Real Madrid’s interest, but the Toon hope to make the 29-year-old the statement signing of the summer by edging elite clubs.
Intermediaries have also contacted Manchester United, Juventus and Bayern Munich and offered his services, per Duncan Castles. They have additionally informed potential suitors that he wants a €30m (£25m) signing bonus, plus a basic salary of €6m-a-year (£96k-a/w).
Newcastle target Rudiger left Rob Green in awe after ‘audacious’ Chelsea display
Rudiger showed several traits that could appeal to Newcastle decision makers ahead of the transfer window with his performance for Chelsea at Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, even if he was unable to stop his side from exiting the competition.
The German showed his aerial threat to draw the Blues level on aggregate six minutes into the second-half. He also showed his leadership, barking at N’Golo Kante for losing the ball on the halfway line to let Los Blancos attack – a clear winners’ mentality at a key moment.
Rudiger also showed he can offer a threat from distance after letting rip a dipping effort from 35-yards out. It seemed to be going wide, yet left Thibaut Courtois feeling anxious.
“Audacious is the word for that Rudiger attempt,” Green exclaimed. “It had all sorts on it. Thibaut Courtois thought it was going wide, but he couldn’t risk it and dived. Chelsea are playing without fear.”
Green also lauded Rudiger for his leadership aimed at the Chelsea fans against Real Madrid after the Newcastle transfer target always bid to keep their spirits and the pressure high.
“Rudiger is waving to the Chelsea fans, telling them to lift it,” Green added. “He has lifted this team! He’s up against Luka Modric, who has no chance, he just brushes him away. It’s a brilliant header, and a brilliant start to the second-half.”
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