Antonio Rüdiger’s performance against Slovakia has become one of the biggest talking points in German football. Known for his aggressive style, strength in duels, and commanding presence at the back, the Real Madrid defender struggled badly on the night. He failed to make a single tackle or interception, which is highly unusual for a player of his caliber. To make matters worse, he committed two costly errors and looked sluggish in defensive transitions, turning slowly and leaving large gaps for the opposition to exploit.
This dip in form has not gone unnoticed by head coach Julian Nagelsmann. According to reports, the German coach has lost some confidence in Rüdiger’s reliability, especially with World Cup qualification at stake. For a team that prides itself on defensive discipline, such lapses raise serious concerns about whether Rüdiger can still be trusted as a regular starter. Nagelsmann, who is still shaping his squad for the future, may be forced to explore other defensive options if the Madrid star continues to struggle.
The immediate consequence of this poor performance is clear: Rüdiger is expected to miss Germany’s next World Cup qualifier. While this may only be a temporary setback, the long-term picture could be even more worrying. If he fails to rediscover his sharpness and consistency with Real Madrid, his chances of making it to the next World Cup could be in real danger. For a player who has represented his country on the grandest stages, missing out would be a massive blow to both his career and legacy.
Rüdiger’s situation highlights the pressure that comes with playing for both club and country at the highest level. At Chelsea, he had built a reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable defenders, playing a vital role in their Champions League triumph. However, form in football can shift quickly, and his current struggles serve as a reminder that even experienced players are not immune to dips in performance. The months ahead will be crucial, as Rüdiger must fight to regain his best level, restore trust with Nagelsmann, and secure his place in Germany’s plans for the future
