Rudiger names Kane, Icardi and Lewandowski as world's best strikers

Chelsea rock Antonio Rudiger has admitted he fears he will be in for a tough time when facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and is not relishing the prospect of coming up against Robert Lewandowski.

The German defender feels Lewandowski is among the finest marksmen on the planet, and is getting better and better with age.

Speaking during a recent interview with publication Bild, Rudiger lumped Lewandowski together with England captain Harry Kane as the most dangerous in the game.

Opting for a slightly left-field suggestion, the Chelsea man feels Paris Saint Germain's summer acquisition Mauro Icardi is also in the conversation of world's best.

'For me Mauro Icardi, Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski are the best nine in recent years. Lewandowski seems to have gotten better this season,' he said.

Not holding back on his assessment, Rudiger admitted he has concerns about facing Bayern on the European stage and Chelsea's chances of progressing.

'I have great respect for him. It will be a difficult challenge to survive against him. We can only solve this through the collective,' he added.

Staying on the subject of Bayern, Rudiger had no issue admitting how close Chelsea starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi came to being lured away by the German giants.

'I am very happy that Callum stayed with us because we are both very good friends. Of course, he also asked me about Bayern at the time,' Rudiger admitted.

'The fact that he chose Chelsea is only logical for me. The transfer ban and the departure of Eden Hazard made it clear he will get more time.