It was mere moments into Chelsea's draw against Manchester United that Antonio Rudiger reminded the Blues of what they have missed in the previous two matches. The German defender unsurprisingly slotted into Thomas Tuchel's starting XI for the trip to Old Trafford to help secure a defence that had looked leaky against Arsenal and was fairly unchallenged against West Ham.
While the 29-year-old enjoyed his fair share of spectacular long-range efforts, it's the tone he sets on Thiago Silva's left that leaves an imprint on the Club World Cup champions. Minutes into the match Rudiger found himself putting in firm challenges, with even Cristiano Ronaldo not spared the luxury of a tackle on the edge leaving him on the floor.
The Man United star was not awarded a foul and made his feelings known to referee Mike Dean, but Rudiger's body language looked ready for another battle. He backed away from the Portuguese international, seemingly making his feelings clear over a fairly innocuous moment. What could not be mistaken from either player, however, is the intensity and that is what Rudiger has brought in spades over the last 12 months or so.
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"He gives everybody confidence in the dressing room," said Tuchel ahead of the game. "He is a unique character, he is an aggressive leader, he is available over 100% of the matches, like 90% of the matches he is simply available, and he plays on an outstanding level and gives you confidence if you play next to him or around him.
"He takes the focus away from others. He takes responsibility. He loves responsibility. I don't think that anybody likes this decision, but in the moment, we have to accept it, and we will accept it. Like it or not, there will be life at Chelsea after Toni. For him and for us, it is the most important thing that it ends like it started and like it was for one and half years, on the highest level possible. This is where the focus needs to be."
On top of being a top-class defender, Rudiger's departure this summer will see a key figure of the Chelsea dressing room depart. The early statement ensures others on the pitch know the standard they must adhere to. Backing down from Ronaldo's challenge, even in trying to pressure the referee, is something Rudiger will not allow to happen. In many respects, the defender's presence is more obvious than that of his teammates.
As Tuchel made very clear ahead of the game against Man United, life at Chelsea will go on after Rudiger. However, while we're still, hopefully, in the early days of Tuchel's Chelsea tenure, already his team requires rejuvenation. Rudiger's presence will be missed next season but senior figures in Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jorginho, N'Golo Kante, Marcos Alonso, who started against the Red Devils are all out of contract at the end of next season. Not all of that group will necessarily be
The likes of Mason Mount and Reece James have already shown their capability to take on a workload on the pitch and have the goals and assists to back it up, but even at the tender ages of 23 and 22 respectively, they will soon be expected to not only set the standard but ensure it is being met elsewhere in the squad too.
Rudiger ensured he was involved after Nemanja Matic ensured a tussle ensued against James. While the wing-back held his own, and Mount was quick to arrive, the latter's focus was on retrieving the ball. Commendable actions but the German international perhaps shouldn't feel he needs to be involved at the opposite end of the pitch. The Cobham products are no doubt up for the battle, but perhaps need to recognise how these moments can impact the direction of a match. There is little doubt they will soon be among Chelsea's dressing room leaders.
Tuchel, and whoever Chelsea's new owners maybe will have to monitor Chelsea's transition, however. The leadership qualities in any new signing will need to be carefully monitored to help aid the progress of the group. The Blues do not simply need good players, though that will be essential as well. This summer will be a difficult one, but standards cannot drop.
