We have really missed him, I can't wait for him to return and hopefully get back to his best.

No need to rush him back, give him time to find his level again.

Edited November 26, 20196 yr by the special one

I think he’s probably been missed on the training ground/in the dressing room too. Seems like a real personality around the club. 

Any news his return? He wasn’t on the bench today but am I right in thinking he’s returned to full training?

“He’s getting closer, he had a really good week’s work. The reality is he’s not played for a very long time so it’s a mini pre-season. Now the injury hopefully is over, we need to get him properly fit. He’s working very hard. It’s days and weeks rather than months which is great news for us.”

- Frank Lampard; source: Chelsea FC

Not only is he our best defender but also he is vocal. Something Zouma, Christensen and Tomori lack.

Back just in time for Christmas fixtures! Lovely.

Good to have him back tonight, he made us look stronger instantly.

3 hours ago, Scott Harris said:

Good to have him back tonight, he made us look stronger instantly.

I thought he was excellent besides the mistake he made at the end with the header. His presence alone improves the defence, that's what's needed. I still think we need another CB though. 

 

He looked very composed and confident on the ball which was great. Really poor defending from our defense for their goal though and he also made a howler at the end which nearly cost us qualification. Considering that he barely had anything to do all match, that isn't great. A similar mistake from Christensen or Zouma and the forum would erupt! I'm putting it down to a bit of rustiness - hopefully the mistakes will be ironed out once he's had a run of games. I really like his presence at the back.

1 hour ago, DannyVblue said:

He looked very composed and confident on the ball which was great. Really poor defending from our defense for their goal though and he also made a howler at the end which nearly cost us qualification. Considering that he barely had anything to do all match, that isn't great. A similar mistake from Christensen or Zouma and the forum would erupt! I'm putting it down to a bit of rustiness - hopefully the mistakes will be ironed out once he's had a run of games. I really like his presence at the back.

I thought he was at fault for Remy's strike yet guess we are all willing to give him a little time after such a long lay-off.

Not sure Rudiger could have done anything for their goal. That was more Azpi/Kante/Kovacic... Remy had peeled off and was where Kante or Kovacic should have been marking, not a CB.

His mis-control at the end was definitely worrying, and thank god it didn't amount to anything. Let's hope that's just rustiness! Overall his game was solid though, I love his tenacity.

 

 

Looked a little rusty which is understandable being out for so long, but he did add a presence to the back line as well as a long pass outlet that the other cb’s can’t produce.

Good to have him back still think we need another couple of defenders though and some serious coaching improvements on the back line.

Needs a lot of game time to build momentum. If only he had a better LCB partner

Rudiger - Tomori sounds really dynamic to me. We need Rudi's height and muscle and Tomori's pace.

Anyway he looked really good from the beginning albeit being under zero pressure.

21 hours ago, evissy said:

We need Rudi's height and muscle and Tomori's pace.

Pre-injury, Rudi was the fastest player on the team. Saw that on one of those comprehensive stats in who ran the most and who hit the highest speed. My eyes agreed. He can fly. 

We need a fit Rudi. Best CB we've had the last 3 seasons. 

15 minutes ago, Skinnedy said:

Pre-injury, Rudi was the fastest player on the team. Saw that on one of those comprehensive stats in who ran the most and who hit the highest speed. My eyes agreed. He can fly. 

We need a fit Rudi. Best CB we've had the last 3 seasons. 

I like him too, his desire to win reminds me of JT.

Does have the odd error in him yet if he is really fit think he will be our best CB.

wow he is a beast.. i know we lost a few games  but since he has been back the defense looks so much better ... proper CB and a leader.. That tackle on DA 10 minutes in the game or how he went jumping in to defend Kovacic in the tussle with Delle... he is a lad I want to be picked every day ... he is a pure quality... 

6 hours ago, Jangz said:

wow he is a beast.. i know we lost a few games  but since he has been back the defense looks so much better ... proper CB and a leader.. That tackle on DA 10 minutes in the game or how he went jumping in to defend Kovacic in the tussle with Delle... he is a lad I want to be picked every day ... he is a pure quality... 

He has that physical and aggressive quality you want in a centre back. He seems to turn up on the big games too. 

I think he is far and away our best defender. Question is about finding the right ones to partner him.

He’s my first choice as captain. Proper leader.

Brilliant yesterday! I thought Zouma was our best defender on the day, but Rudiger's leadership qualities are great. 

I thought he handled everything very professionally, agree with what he said on social media, good on him.

Absolutely astonishing the comments by Mourinho.. he needs to realise people don’t buy into his concocted versions of the truth anymore.. not his players not the media and not even the fans..

He needs to realise it’s not 2006 and people appreciate honesty and authenticity..  he has failed to evolve with time.. and I am glad he got schooled by SFL..

On 22/12/2019 at 17:58, Jangz said:

wow he is a beast.. i know we lost a few games  but since he has been back the defense looks so much better ... proper CB and a leader.. That tackle on DA 10 minutes in the game or how he went jumping in to defend Kovacic in the tussle with Delle... he is a lad I want to be picked every day ... he is a pure quality...