Ex-Chelsea goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer says that Frank Lampard is making a wrong decision by sticking to Antonio Rudiger when there are better options available at his disposal.
Schwarzer even goes on to say that Rudiger isn’t of Chelsea’s quality and is not at par with the club’s expectations. He is surprised to see Chelsea coach, Lampard’s decision to not keep young talented defender, Fikayo Tomori and let him leave on loan. There are plenty of options in the backline for the Blues.
Undoubtedly the partnership of Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva has strengthened over the course of time. But the like of Andreas Christensen, Tomori and Rudiger was always there as a backup. These players grew frustrated with the lack of gaming time and the coach was left with no option rather let one of them leave.
Scwarzer told Stadium Astro: “I’m very surprised Rudiger is back in the side because I don’t think he’s that great a defender.
“I don’t think he’s good enough to play for Chelsea. I think he has had enough opportunities.
“Yes, last season or the season before he had a lot of injury issues, but I think Kurt Zouma next to Silva is the best combination. They showed a couple of weeks ago how good they are together.
“They are going to have a dip in form sometimes but I’d look to keep it simple, play a way into form.
“[Andreas] Christensen, I think, is a good player to have there or thereabouts if you need him. Tomori as well, I would play him ahead of Rudiger. I’m surprised that Tomori is out of the side altogether. “
Thiago Silva was signed to bring stability in the backline but he is 36 years old. Lampard cannot opt to play him in all the games. Lately, he has given more priority to Rudiger and this has surprised the former Blues keeper.
“If he does go there on loan, there is the potential for a buyout clause,” Schwarzer added.
“AC Milan will sign him with that option. He’s a good young player. He’s going to make mistakes but he’s still learning and has the potential to be a really good centre-half.”
It is feared that the Blues can lose the talented Tomori if he continues to stay away from the club for a longer period of time.
