Frank Lampard must feel a tad foolish over his treatment of reported Liverpool target and Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.
Under Lampard, the Germany international was very much on the periphery of things at Stamford Bridge.
But the 28-year-old has become a staple of Chelsea’s defence under Thomas Tuchel, culminating in speculation about a transfer to Liverpool.
Despite his upturn in fortunes, Rudiger is only contracted to the Blues until next summer and Jurgen Klopp is among the managers linked with a Bosman swoop.
Eurosport reported in October that the Anfield outfit were interested in the centre-back.
And BBC resident pundit Garth Crooks claims that not utilising Rudiger must rank as Lampard’s ‘biggest mistake’ during his ill-fated return to West London as manager.
He told BBC Sport: “The biggest mistake of Frank Lampard’s short managerial career at Chelsea was refusing to play Antonio Rudiger. The German international’s presence in a Chelsea shirt has proved to be invaluable since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel.
“Rudiger was surplus to requirements under Lampard, but since the arrival of Tuchel the defender has gone on to win the Champions League and become one of the most sought-after defenders in the world. Well it sort of qualifies you when Paris St-Germain and Real Madrid want to sign you.”
Team of 2021
Crooks included Rudiger as his Team of 2021, alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool in defence and Manchester City’s Ruben Dias.
And honestly, it’s hard to disagree.
Listen, the Chelsea man has had a few hairy performances under Tuchel, but this is also a player who helped them to Champions League glory last summer.
The Blues have improved massively since Rudiger has started playing regularly again post-Lampard and really, he deserves the plaudits.
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