Real Madrid coaches very happy with 30-year-old defender, acts as a father figure for youngsters

During the summer of 2022, Real Madrid and Barcelona were both in for a number of overlapping targets.

One of these included Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger, who was available on a free transfer.

The Chelsea defender was coming off the back of a few brilliant seasons under Thomas Tuchel, during which he won the Champions League as one of the best players in the final against Manchester City.

However, he decided to leave Stamford Bridge when the Blues decided not to award him with a bigger contract, one he thought he deserved after years of service.

Eventually, he decided to sign for Real Madrid over Barcelona, and has been incredibly important for Carlo Ancelotti’s side this season, especially with the ACL injuries to David Alaba and Eder Militao.

According to reports from MARCA, Real Madrid coaches are very happy with Rudiger. They praise him a lot for his progress and believe he has been one of the, if not the most consistent player for them this season.

The German, now 30, is one of the senior-most players in the dressing room, and sits on the same table as club legends such as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, who are two of the most respected footballers in Europe.

He also jokes around with some of the younger players, such as Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga. And is a ‘father figure’ for promising youngsters including Arda Guler and Nico Paz.

Rudiger came up clutch for Madrid as recently as the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid, scoring the equaliser and defending with his life on the line.

Eventually, his and the rest of the team’s efforts came through as they secured a 5-3 win in extra-time, with goals from the German, Ferland Mendy, Daniel Carvajal, an own goal from Stefan Savic, and Brahim Diaz.