Watch Antonio Rudiger take man marking to bizarre new level in Deportivo Alaves clash, with fans labelling Real Madrid star a ‘no-nonsense lunatic’
- Rudiger took an unconventional approach to marking Samu Omorodion
- Fans were divided on social media over the Real Madrid star's man-marking tactics
- Chris Sutton says Jurgen Klopp is right to call out his own fans – It all starts
Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger has been branded a 'no-nonsense lunatic' after footage emerged of the defender's unconventional tactics against Deportivo Alaves.
Rudiger was involved in a physical fight with Alaves striker Samu Omorodion during Thursday night's match as Real Madrid looked to reach the top of LaLiga.
Omorodion was seen backing into Rudiger on the halfway line, with the defender taking the bizarre step of ducking behind the attacker.
The German defender appeared to try to trip Omorodion with this move, which worked briefly as the attacker was forced to a stop.
However, Omorodion responded by retreating more forcefully into Rudiger as the pair continued their battle.
Fans were divided on social media over Rudiger's unconventional approach to man marking
Fans were divided on social media by the former Chelsea defender's antics, with Blues backing and admitting they missed his 'no-nonsense' approach at Stamford Bridge.
'Miss this fool. Aggressive, no-nonsense and annoying for the opponent. Stylish in its own crazy way,” the fan wrote.
Another supported Rudiger's attempts to upset Omorodion, writing: 'I love this. If the defender hits him in the face, the mental game after not giving space must be so suffocating and belittling for that player.
'Not all characters have to remain authentic, but it is one of the reasons that I came to admire Rudiger so much.'
Others were left confused by Rudider's unconventional man-marking.
“What's wrong with Rudiger,” one fan wrote, while another added, “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 to 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 the stoppage-time winner, much to the frustration of Deportivo boss Alaves on the touchline.
Rudiger's physical approach was praised last year after the Germany international was seen deliberately irritating Erling Haaland during Real Madrid's Champions League match against Man City.
Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni later revealed that his side had studied Rudiger's defense as they looked to keep Haaland out of the Champions League final.
