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Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger has been labelled a ‘no-nonsense lunatic’ after footage emerged of the defender’s unconventional man-marking tactics against Deportivo Alaves.
Rudiger engaged in a physical battle with Alaves forward Samu Omorodion during the match on Thursday night, as Real Madrid looked to move top of LaLiga.
Omorodion was seen backing into Rudiger by the half-way line, with the defender taking the bizarre step of bending down behind the forward.
Omorodion, however, responded by continuing to back into Rudiger more forcefully as the pair continued their battle.
Fans were split on social media by Rudiger’s unconventional approach to man marking
Fans were split on social media by the former Chelsea defender’s antics, with a Blues supported admitting they missed his ‘no nonsense’ approach at Stamford Bridge.
‘Miss this lunatic. Aggressive, no nonsense and a nuisance to opposing team. Classy in his own mad head way,’ the fan wrote.
Another backed Rudiger’s attempts to unsettle Omorodion, writing ‘I love this. Defender getting in his face, the mental game after allowing no space must be so suffocating and belittling towards that player.
‘Not for all characters, have to stay authentic but one of the reasons i’ve grown to admire Rudiger so much.’
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Others were left confused by Rudider’s unconventional man-marking.
‘What’s wrong with Rudiger,’ one fan wrote, with another adding ‘What is this brother doing’.
Rudiger helped Real Madrid keep a clean sheet despite being reduced to 10-men when Nacho was sent off in the second half.
Rudiger helped 10-man Real Madrid earn a 1-0 win over Alaves to move to the top of LaLiga
Carlo Ancelotti’s side moved to the top of the table with Lucas Vazquez scoring a stoppage time winner, much to the frustration of the Deportivo Alaves boss on the touchline.
Rudiger’s physical approach was praised last year, after the German international was seen deliberately irritating Erling Haaland during Real Madrid’s Champions League tie against Man City.
Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni later revealed his side had studied Rudiger’s defending as they looking to shut out Haaland in the Champions League final.
