Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger says new teammate Romelu Lukaku is stronger than him.

The centre-back spoke in glowing terms about the 28-year-old forward, who signed for his former club in a £97.5million deal this summer from Inter Milan.

Lukaku, who has already got his first Chelsea goal since arriving back at the Stamford Bridge club, was a key reason for inter winning the Scudetto last term.

"In terms of acceleration, I think there is a lot of players who are maybe faster than me," the Rudiger told Sky Sports when asked who was the fastest within the Chelsea squad.

"But when we [hit top speed], I think I will go for myself or Romelu Lukaku."

Asked if he was stronger than his Belgian teammate, Rudiger replied: "Come on, this question is [disrespectful]. Of course, he's stronger.

"A 100 percent, look at the guy and look at me [laugh]. [It's] Rom, every day.

"I've known him [before he had joined Chelsea], he's very calm.

"You can have serious talks with him, you can joke with him.

"You can see he has grown as a person. There is a lot of confidence — not arrogance, but good confidence."