Lyon defender Jerome Boateng is full of praise for Chelsea centre-half Toni Rudiger.
Speaking to Goal.com, Boateng spoke about his friendship, and how impressive his performances have been of late.
"Toni Rudiger. We are good friends and we talk often. I'm very happy for him that he has developed so well at Chelsea," said Boateng.
"When we remember where he was a year ago, sometimes on the bench, sometimes in the stands. And now he's a guaranteed starter and playing at a world-class level because he believed in himself and remained patient.
"For me, he is currently the best German defender, and definitely in the top five at his spot in Europe."