MVP, 13 rebounds, 100% of duels won…

ANDl Germany-Denmark is over Rudiger on the ground, celebrating the clearance as if he had scored the goal that would give his team a place in the next round. It was a reflection another perfect match from the center German, named MVP match after an impeccable defensive performance. The data doesn’t lie: 13 recoveriesfour blocked shots into the penalty area, two key crosses into the penalty area, two tackles, 100% aerial duel wins… A performance that did not go unnoticed by UEFA or his teammates, who treated him like a hero after the meeting.

Rüdiger He arrived for the round of 16 clash between slams, having missed two training sessions due to muscle problems. He came out to play with what was essentially a hamstring, but nothing stopped him from shining. He was a titan and held up the entire game despite all sorts of blows. He gave a couple of scares, causing fears of injury after dodging two goals, but finished the match without any problems.

Rudiger also avoided a yellow card, so he will be able to play in the quarterfinal match. Let’s see, against Spain or Georgia. The Madrid player has been playing on the wire since day oneas he saw the card in the second half against Scotland. They have played prepared since then, but have been faultless for three games in a row. He needs it if he gets through the round to end the punishment and be able to play more freely. Although, seeing him on the pitch, there is nothing to suggest that the card bothers him.

One hundred percent Rudiger

Naggelsmann assured before the match that Rüdiger is a vital player for the team and that is why it was worth waiting for him and forcing him. Because, as in the case of Real Madrid, for Germany he is also more than a defender. “He’s a leader,” they say. Ancelotti like a German coach who values ​​this point of madness as a fundamental element of his leadership. When the team is at its worst, Rüdiger always supports the team in defense. This is exactly what happened against Denmark.

Of course I would love to play against Spain, I have three great friends there.

In attack he was also an important player, serving the ball well and finding strikers with long passes that were so difficult for opposing defenders to spot. Ten minutes later he found Havertz and the striker was about to score with a volley. Schmeichel avoided it.

In the mixed zone, Rüdiger, a genius and a figure, was sincere in his anticipation of his German opponent in the quarter-finals: “Of course I would like to play against Spain, I think it will be a great match and I have three great friends there. …but Spain will play tomorrow.” The central defender doesn’t trust him.