Chelsea hero Mario Melchiot has urged Frank Lampard to build his side around Antonio Rudiger.

The Blues conceded 39 goals in their first 29 Premier League fixtures.

And Melchiot thinks Lampard should buy another centre-back to compliment Rudiger.

Speaking about the Germany international, he told 888 Sport: "He has a good standing at Chelsea and I like him as a player.

"He's doing really well. He is very strong and came back well from his injury when others had a chance to take his place.

"The next step now is to build a side around him but it's important to find a centre-back partner who is not like him. They can't play the same way.

"They have to find someone who has the ability to defend but doesn't defend like him.

"The two guys in the middle of the park should never be identical. Both should be strong, sure, but maybe a guy who is on a different scale technically whereas Rudiger is a guy who says 'don't mess around with me.'"