Thomas Tuchel told the surprise Chelsea star who made case to start vs Real Madrid with Rudiger

Tuchel on facing Real Madrid in the Bernabeu

Mikel Arteta Explains Arsenal's Lack Of Signings In January Transfer Window

Aston Villa 0-4 Tottenham in pictures

Luis Suarez and Micah Richards agree on Benfica striker Darwin Nunez amid Arsenal transfer talk

Tuchel says his 'message was clear' to the players

Mikel Arteta quizzed on Arsenal's lack of cutting edge in front of goal

Mikel Arteta on Alexandre Lacazette and Mohamed Elneny's future

Kovacic opens up on 'idolising' Modric when growing up

Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner were both named in Garth Crooks’ team of the week after Chelsea thrashed Southampton 6-0 on Saturday. The duo have both staked their claim to start the Blues’ Champions League quarter final second leg at Real Madrid on Wednesday, with impressive performances on the south coast.

The west London outfit slipped to a 3-1 defeat to Los Blancos in midweek and were soundly beaten by Brentford last weekend but bounced back in impressive fashion at St Mary's. Rudiger in particular was in imperious form to help the Blues keep a much needed clean sheet ahead of Tuesday’s trip to the Bernabeu, and Crooks hailed the German defender’s sensational display.

"The most impressive feature about this Chelsea performance was their clean sheet," Crooks told BBC Sport. "Any defence that has conceded seven goals in two matches will have had their confidence badly shaken.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham battle for Champions League - Predict final Premier League table

"Antonio Rudiger hasn't flinched for Chelsea since Thomas Tuchel brought him back into the side on his arrival at the club. Rudiger played in the defeats against Brentford and Real Madrid but returned against Southampton fearless and unconcerned about what had