Germany boss hails Roma's influence on Rudiger's development

The Germany head coach has included the Giallorossi centre-back in his provisional 27-man squad for this summer's European Championship. He will name his final 23 on 31 May.

“Rudiger is strong and fast and has the ability to play both in a back three with us and in a back four with Roma. He's also capable of doing a job at full-back," Low said.

“He's a highly versatile player and we're pleased to see how much he's grown with Roma this year. He's played nearly every game – some of which we went to see.

“His coach [Luciano Spalletti] rates him highly and he's a very important player for Germany.”

Low had said he expected Rudiger to improve under the guidance of the Giallorossi boss when he visited Trigoria back in February.

“Tony has gained lots of experience in the last four or five months at Roma and he'll continue to do so under a coach like Spalletti, who will point him in the right direction,” the World Cup-winning German said at the time.

"Tony has enormous potential and plenty of room for improvement.”

Rudiger made 37 appearances and scored two goals for the Giallorossi in his debut season at the Italian capital.

Germany are in Group C alongside Northern Ireland, Poland and Ukraine for this summer's showpiece, which kicks off on 10 June.