Lampard keen for Rudiger to take on leadership role

Frank Lampard says fit-again defender Antonio Rudiger has a vital role to play as a leader in the Chelsea team.

The Germany international has not played so far this season because of a knee injury, but is available for the Premier League match away against Wolves on Saturday.[phone]

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The Blues have struggled defensively this season, conceding nine goals in four games.

Rudiger is only 26, but still older and more experienced than fellow centre-backs Kurt Zouma, 24, Andreas Christensen, 23, and Fikayo Tomori, 21.

“Rudiger is fit to play,” Lampard said.

“He will have an important role. I know how important he has been for the club and team since he has been here. He has personality, character, and quality as a defender.

“He is an international defender and we have missed him as we have missed a few front-line players. He will strengthen us and I am certainly pleased to have him back.”

Rudiger’s return is not just crucial for the impact on the young defenders around him, Lampard explained.

“It is important as a team, particularly with how young we are,” Lampard added. “I don’t want a young team for the sake of it. I want leaders within that.

“Rudiger is not old but he certainly needs to take on responsibility of being a leader.

“I see it in his personality; it has to be channelled obviously and he can then be very influential in the team but also for the young players like Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mason Mount, Tomori, as happens when you become more senior and more experienced, and he is certainly ready to take on this role.”

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