Man United legend heaps the praise on impressive Chelsea duo for UCL masterclass

Rio Ferdinand praises Chelsea duo Kurt Zouma and Antonio Rudiger

Speaking to BT Sport (h/t Metro), Rio Ferdinand was all praise for Chelsea duo Antonio Rudiger and Kurt Zouma. The Manchester United icon singled out the pair for their defensive showing in keeping Atletico Madrid at bay in the second leg of their round of 16 tie in the Champions League.

Chelsea kept clean sheets in both games as Hakim Ziyech and Emerson Palmieri ensured two goals in the second leg would be enough for a spot in the quarter-finals.

However, Chelsea’s defence really shone as they kept the likes of Luis Suarez and Joao Felix quiet for the two games.

Ferdinand was particularly impressed with central defenders Kurt Zouma and Antonio Rudiger as he praised them for their dominating performance.

‘Tuchel has this team motoring. They are hard to play against, they are aggressive. That man Rudiger today, him and Zouma, they were aggressive, they munched the Atletico Madrid strikers. Any attacks that came their way, they were thwarted.’

Kurt Zouma was a last-minute inclusion to the side after Andreas Christensen was sidelined with an illness.

The Frenchman stepped up in the middle of the three-man backline. Rudiger, on the other hand, has been a rock under Tuchel ever since he was brought back to the team.

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It is high praise indeed coming from a defensive stalwart himself. Chelsea were hardly tested much, with the Spanish side struggling to create much in 180 minutes over two legs. The Blues are now through to the quarter-finals after a 7-year gap.