‘Rudiger has had enough opportunities’ – Chelsea questioned over Tomori loan

David Lynch

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:45 CDT
• 2 min read

Chelsea could be making a big mistake in loaning Fikayo Tomori to Milan while keeping hold of Antonio Rudiger this month, Mark Schwarzer has warned.

Tomori is on the brink of sealing a move to Serie A as he looks to secure regular playing time after clocking up just 44 minutes of Premier League action so far this term.

The 23-year-old was involved far more frequently last term, making 22 appearances across all competitions and earning his first senior England cap.

However, he has struggled to get into Frank Lampard’s team this season, with summer signing Thiago Silva acting as first choice and Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger competing to partner the Brazilian.

After starting the Blues’ last three games, Rudiger appears to have moved up the pecking order despite having found himself on the fringes early on the campaign.

But there has been so such luck for the underused Tomori, a call that has baffled former Chelsea goalkeeper Schwarzer.

‘I would play Tomori ahead of Rudiger’

“I’m very surprised Rudiger is back in the side because I don’t think he’s that great a defender,” the Australian told Stadium Astro.

“I don’t think he’s good enough to play for Chelsea. I think he has had enough opportunities.

“Yes, last season or the season before he had a lot of injury issues, but I think Kurt Zouma next to Silva is the best combination. They showed a couple of weeks ago how good they are together.

“They are going to have a dip in form sometimes but I’d look to keep it simple, play a way into form.

“[Andreas] Christensen, I think, is a good player to have there or thereabouts if you need him. Tomori as well, I would play him ahead of Rudiger. I’m surprised that Tomori is out of the side altogether.”

Tomori’s imminent loan move to Milan is reported to contain an option to make the deal permanent for just €30m.

On the value of such an agreement, Schwarzer added: “If he does go there on loan, there is the potential for a buyout clause.

“AC Milan will sign him with that option. He’s a good young player. He’s going to make mistakes but he’s still learning and has the potential to be a really good centre-half.”