‘I have different skills’ – Koulibaly reveals why he’s not Rudiger’s replacement

Photo: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC

Antonio Rudiger marshalled the left centre-back role for Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel, and he did it to perfection.

The German international became a world-class player while playing under Thomas Tuchel.

Rudiger’s exit from Chelsea was seen as a huge disappointment, and the club needed to sign a top class player to fill that void.

New signing Kalidou Koulibaly has come in and impressed in pre-season, however, the 31-year-old centre-back doesn’t see himself as Rudiger’s replacement.

According to Koulibaly, he has different skills from the departed German.

“Antonio is a really good player,” said Koulibaly.

“I know what he did for Chelsea. I used to play against him when he was at Roma. He did a lot at Chelsea and I’m happy for him when he joined Real Madrid, but for me it’s not pressure.

“I don’t want to be the guy who is replacing Rudiger. I am Koulibaly, another player, not the same player, I don’t play like him. I have different skills, another style, another idea of football, so I will try to do my best to give solidity to the team.”