Antonio Rudiger is determined to become a commanding figure for Chelsea now that he has put injury problems behind him.
The 26-year-old made just his second appearance of the season in Tuesday s 2-1 win over Lille that secured a Champions League last-16 spot for the Blues.
Having overcome knee and pelvis issues in recent months, experienced defender Rudiger is relishing the opportunity to influence Frank Lampard s youngsters from the back.
In my position it is very important to speak, to be loud, he told reporters, quoted in several British newspapers.
I have the whole pitch in front of me and this has always been natural to me. I have always, even when I was young, been commanding.
Chelsea Fam So good to be back on the pitch with the lads and to qualify for last 16
— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger)
I see myself as helping the others, as always. As I did in the other years in the team when I played with David Luiz or Gary Cahill.
I am always loud on the pitch, especially with the young guys because you need to help them.
There will be a period, that is normal because we are all human, that you will fall a bit, the performances will go down.
But there especially you need to, and me as the most experienced in the back, need to help those young guys. I m in for that.
Fikayo Tomori, Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma have all filled in at centre-back this term, with the latter partnering Rudiger on the Germany international s return to action.
Next up at the weekend!
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC)
The pair performed well against Lille and Rudiger is confident of building a strong partnership with whoever he plays alongside.
For me, it is just a matter of communication, he said. If you don t speak then things will be a bit difficult, but me and Kurt spoke directly and the commands were clear.
So it was easier for everyone. That s just the issue of being commanding.
For me, it is just an issue of speaking because if you don t speak it will be difficult.
Chelsea return to Premier League action on Saturday with a home match against Bournemouth.
