Antonio Rüdiger joined Real Madrid from Chelsea as a free transfer back in the summer of 2022, being one of the two transfers that year – alongside with Aurelien Tchouameni.

Since joining, Rüdiger’s life at Real Madrid has been getting better every day, and of course – the support from the fans has risen at an all-time level. But, all of this have come as a result of Antonio’s performances on the pitch, especially this season as he has took over the keys of the defence after Eder Militao’s injury – and of course, as a result of Rüdiger’s personality on and off the pitch.

🗣️ Antonio Rüdiger: “I'm a little crazy, but always positive. I'm very happy to be at Real Madrid, for me it's not just a team, it's a family.” pic.twitter.com/rA7YadNtWr

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 14, 2024

From the funniest celebrations, to hitting his teammates after they score (jokingly, of course), to amazing vibes in training and above all to fighting his heart for the team, every team would love to have someone like Antonio Rüdiger in their team, every team needs someone like Rüdiger in their team.

So far, Rüdiger has played 79 games with Real Madrid’s colours, winning four trophies in this period. Four different trophies in 79 games, playing an important part of all them.

Last year, Antonio wasn’t part of the first XI first as Carlo Ancelotti choose to stick with Alaba – Militao duo, but the injury of the latter has made the German CB be an undisputed starter. The thing is, that during this time – Rüdiger has probably cemented his place in the Real Madrid XI no matter who returns from injury.

So far, in all competition, Real Madrid have conceded 23 goals in 28 games. In La Liga, after the first round of games – in 19 games, Real Madrid have equalized only 11 goals, equalizing the best start in the history of the club. A big help to this and the defensive stability, Rüdiger has been a massive help.

A great thing Rüdiger has shown at Real Madrid also, is discipline. For a player who plays as a CB and as aggressively as Toni Rüdiger does – having only 10 yellow cards in 79 games is an impressive record.

🗣️ Nacho: "Rüdiger is a special player, a little crazy as we say in everything. He is always focused.”

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 13, 2024

Today, by many – Rüdiger is considered as one of the CB’s in the world, if not the best. At 30 years old, Antonio is a luxury to have. Being one of the main pillars of this current team, Real Madrid can count on Antonio Rüdiger for a good amount of years. Having him on the team makes everyone calmer, and especially the fans.

And also, don’t foget:

Real Madrid signed Antonio Rüdiger for €0. pic.twitter.com/mxmECmGYKx

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 10, 2024