Two analysts at BT Sport credit Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid centre-back. As one of the first players to mantle Erling Braut Haaland in his Champions League semi-final debut.
It was a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu. With both goals coming from superb long range goals from Vinicius Jr. and Kevin De Bruyne by both teams’ defensive units. The performance is almost flawless. Especially Rudiger against the European goalscoring leader with 51 goals. Including all items under control.
brought praise to the Deutsche football that in addition to his pace, continental experience. Still doing homework to deal with the 22-karat spear in all dimensions, starting with Rio Ferdinand UFABET
“Usually Eder Militao was Real Madrid’s first centre-back. And when he couldn’t compete he was replaced by Rudiger.”
The ex-Manchester United defender said.
“If you are going to demand from any player in Europe at this time. Someone who is intimidating, adaptable to play. A fun way to get physical between games: that’s what we talk about Haaland in the English Premier League.
“So, as I saw last night, who else could go 1-v-1 with the confidence that Rudiger showed?”
“He’s brilliant and smart all the time. There was one key block in the second half. Haaland duel had to be aggressive – not to the point of missing the game, just to see that Antonio was the best defender he had ever seen.”
Former City defender Joleon Lescott praised the Deutsche defender for his toughness, aggression and smarts.
“You can play aggressively. But it has to be a combination of strength and balance when it comes to Erling.”
“We have seen people who only play aggressively. But he couldn’t counter Haaland’s strength, speed, unlike Rudiger, who could handle it alone.
“We could see that the ball was barely getting near him, holding his shirt, pushing it out of the way. That’s a form that should be used against Haaland from now on, but how many people can do it like Rudiger?
Rudiger ‘s tenacity and Madrid ‘s low-blocking scheme saw City find just three shots on target yesterday.