Gary Cahill is an Antonio Conte favourite, there’s no doubt of that. It was confirmed for the millionth time this week, when the centre back returned from international duty having not played in either game thanks to a back complaint.
https://twitter.com/CFCNewsApp/status/933092743928147968
Given this, and the availability of capable replacement Antonio Rudiger against a limited West Brom team, one might have thought the Englishman would miss out. Instead Conte picked him, as he has pretty much always done when the captain has been fit in the last year and a bit.
Last international break 2017 is over. But still many games left for @ChelseaFC this year 💪🏾💪🏾 #Hustle #CantWait @premierleague @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/JQ0oVP2uUV
— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) November 15, 2017
But there’s no doubt that despite this, the versatility and technicality of Antonio Rudiger make him a very appealing alternative for Conte. While Cahill has the composure and the experience, he must still look over his shoulder at the way Andreas Christensen has supplanted David Luiz within just a few months and fear the end may be nigh for him too.
