Chelsea defender Malang Sarr has hailed the influence of Toni Rudiger this season.

Rudiger, off contract in June, proved the matchwinner in Chelsea's Carabao Cup semifinal win at Tottenham last night.

And Sarr has revealed what a key figure the 28-year-old is at the club.

“He is amazing on and off the pitch," said the defender. “What you see is him on the pitch always giving his heart, giving energy and always helping his team-mates and you can see how influential he is.

“He's not just big, he's a good, good player with the ball and he always tries to help the team, not just himself, to bring the toughness to the squad and just to lead."

Addressing Rudiger's future, Sarr added: “This is something I don't know, but I know he's a great player and he's with us every day in training, helping his team-mates and to see him. I really enjoy to be around him every day and play with him."