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Mesut Ozil Hails Antonio Rudiger As "World's Best Defender" And Says Chelsea "Are Missing His Mentality"

Originally posted on FanNation Futbol
By Robert Summerscales | Last updated 1/4/24

Mesut Ozil believes that Real Madrid center-back Antonio Rudiger is the best defender in world soccer right now.

Ozil is a big fan of Rudiger, having played alongside him in the German national team between 2014 and 2018.

Former Madrid and Arsenal midfielder Ozil believes that 30-year-old Rudiger is currently in his "prime".

Rudiger is midway through his second season with Madrid after joining from Chelsea on a free transfer in June 2022.

Chelsea finished third in the Premier League in Rudiger's final season at Stamford Bridge.

In their first season following his departure, the Blues slumped to 12th and are currently 10th midway through the 2023/24 campaign.

Ozil does not see this as a coincidence.

"Prime Toni Rudiger is just the world's best defender at the moment," Ozil tweeted on Wednesday in response to the defender receiving public praise from Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Ozil added: "You can also ask [Erling] Haaland or [Victor] Osimhen how good he is!

"Look what has happened with Chelsea after he left … they are missing his mentality every day".

Rudiger scored the second goal of his La Liga career on Wednesday as Madrid beat Mallorca 1-0 to stay top of the table.

Prime Toni Rüdiger is just the world's best defender at the moment Incredible season for my former club Real Madrid. You can also ask Haaland or Osimhen how good he is! Look what has happened with Chelsea after he left … they are missing his mentality every day … https://t.co/izFYchdWEI
— Mesut Özil (@M10) January 3, 2024