Antonio Rudiger didn’t hesitate when asked to name the one centre-back he would sign for Real Madrid

Rudiger’s Real Madrid Wish: The Premier League Defender He’d Love to Play With

Antonio Rudiger, the 31-year-old German defender, has been making waves at Real Madrid since his transfer from Chelsea in 2022. The centre-back has formed a formidable partnership with Brazilian defender Eder Militao, and together they’ve lifted several trophies, including La Liga and the Champions League.

But, in a recent interview with the Inside Scoop podcast, Rudiger revealed that there’s one Premier League defender he’d love to play alongside at the Bernabeu. And, surprisingly, it’s not a current teammate. "I say William Saliba," Rudiger said, praising the 23-year-old Arsenal defender’s impressive skills.

Rudiger wasn’t the only one singing Saliba’s praises. He also mentioned Gabriel, another Arsenal centre-back, who he believes is an "amazing" player. It’s no wonder, given Arsenal’s impressive defensive record last season, which saw them concede just 29 goals across 38 league games.

Rudiger’s admiration for the Gunners pair is understandable, given their impressive partnership. Saliba, in particular, has been making a name for himself with his clean and composed performances. As Rudiger put it, "he looks like a silent leader." It’s a testament to Saliba’s growing reputation as one of the top young defenders in the Premier League.

Arsenal fans will be hoping this is just a throwaway comment from Rudiger, rather than a sign of concrete interest from Real Madrid. Saliba’s contract runs until at least 2027, and he’s believed to be happy at the Emirates. But, you never know what the future holds.

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