Real Madrid have been unlucky this season when it comes to injuries. Thibaut Courtois was injured at the start of the season, and then Real Madrid lost Eder Militao. These two are regular starters for Real Madrid in the defence, and losing two key players always impacts the team. Ancelotti was left with only a few options, with Antonio Rudiger being one in the heart of the defence.
The German defender joined Los Blancos from Chelsea in 2022. He took some time to settle in Spain and is now getting a chance to play regularly for the team. Real Madrid have had a mixed start to their current campaign. They have scored a few late goals to get the results, and in some of the matches, Real Madrid have not been up to par. Rudiger has been ever-present in the heart of the defence, and here is a look at the impact made by the defender.
Aerial dominance and defensive stability
Antonio Rudiger is a very physical defender and has the ability to win most of his aerial duels. The above viz shows the defensive territory of the player in the current season. The German international has spent 1,148 minutes on the field for Real Madrid this season.
Antonio Rudiger has a very high win percentage for duels. He has won 61.7% of his defensive duels, 66% of his aerial duels and 68% of his loose ball duels. Along with this, the player makes 3.2 interceptions per 90 minutes. Rudiger is not shy to attempt a tackle or two and gives away tactical fouls on occasions.
Adding to his high duels win percentage are 11 crucial blocks that the German has made this season. It can be observed that six blocks have been made inside the penalty box and saved crucial goals for his team. Antonio Rudiger is fearless and knows how to use his body to stop the attack.
Passing ability
Antonio Rudiger was one of the best defenders in the world during his time at Chelsea. His ability to play the ball rated him among the best. In the current season, the German averages 51.1 passes per 90 minutes and has a high accuracy rate of 91%. The above progressive chart shows that he likes to play a few long diagonal balls and can switch positions of attack in a moment. Rudiger plays with some of the best midfielders in front of him. However, whenever he gets a chance to show his passing-range then he is not shy to attempt long diagonal balls.
When compared to other right centre-backs in the top five league, Rudiger has a decent percentile rank. His aerial ability and the ability to move the ball makes him one of the best defenders in the world.
Antonio Rudiger has been a positive for Carlo Ancelotti’s men. He knows how to move the ball and is among the top defenders in the world.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine