Former England striker Kevin Phillips has suggested that Chelsea’s decision not to allow Antonio Rudiger to make the move to Tottenham Hotspur shows that the Blues fear Spurs’ progression.
Tottenham had been linked with a late move for Rudiger as Jose Mourinho looked to add one more defender to his squad. Spurs were confident that they could secure a move for the German before the end of the European transfer window, according to Football Insider.
Chelsea pulled the plug on Rudiger move
Rudiger has not featured for Chelsea yet so far this campaign and since the summer arrival of Thiago Silva, he has fallen further down the pecking order under Frank Lampard. Despite that though, the Blues eventually blocked a move that would have seen the Germany international join Tottenham.
Mourinho’s side have since turned their attentions to securing a move for Swansea City defender Joe Rodon. However, despite Germany manager Joachim Low suggesting that Rudiger had tried everything to secure a move away from Stamford Bridge, no move was forthcoming, according to Football Insider.
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Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips revealed that Chelsea’s decision not to allow Rudiger to leave the club for Tottenham shows that The Blues are worried about the threat that Spurs pose to them this campaign.
He said: “It was possibly Chelsea not wanting to sell to a direct rival in Spurs. That stinks a little bit to me.
“I think Chelsea have looked at it and thought, ‘If we give them another centre-half, blimey. They could be a major threat to us.’ It probably does stink a little bit of that.”
Tottenham still looking strong despite Rudiger saga
Phillips is probably right to suggest that Chelsea are taking the threat from Tottenham seriously this season. Last term, The Blues finished inside the top four with Spurs back in 6th place and never really in the Champions League picture at the end of the campaign. Mourinho, though, has got Spurs playing much better since their opening day defeat against Everton.
Tottenham are now looking much more fluent going forwards, with Harry Kane hitting three goals and registering six assists and Son Heung-min firing in six goals already in the Premier League. That has seen them earn a 5-2 win at Southampton and 6-1 win at Manchester United. Not signing Rudiger then, might have actually allowed Spurs to adapt their game and open up a little more going forwards.
Tottenham fans would Rudiger have been a good signing for Spurs? Let us know your thoughts below!
