Christensen will be a true blue like Terry says Conte
ANTONIO CONTE believes Andreas Christensen could go on to become the next John Terry.
Christensen, 21, has cemented his place in the Chelsea defence having benefitted from Brazilian star David Luiz’s row with Conte that led to him being axed from the side before picking up an injury.
So impressive have the calm, composed Denmark centre-back’s performances been since he returned after a two-year spell on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach that Chelsea will open talks over an improved contract in the new year.
Christensen, who has started 16 games this season, will be part of Chelsea’s defence again tonight as they face Bournemouth in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Terry played 717 games for Chelsea in 19 years and was the club’s most successful captain, keeping the armband for 13 seasons.
Conte said: “This is a big comparison. Don’t forget, John Terry wrote the history of this club and won a lot of trophies. But Andreas has the right characteristics to play for this club for many years, to become an important player for this club.
“I wish Christensen can have the same career as John. For sure he could be a future captain. When you start to play in a great club like Chelsea, the future is yours.
“Every time I decided to give him the opportunity, he gave an amazing performance. These convinced me that Christensen had to play regularly. He is the best surprise from the start of this season, despite his young age.
“It’s not often you see this composure, this calmness in a young player. Chelsea have found a player who can have the same career as some of the best defenders here. I hope Andreas helps me to make sure that happens.
“He’s a serious person, always committed. He doesn’t speak a lot. He prefers facts to words. I can predict a fantastic career for him.”
Conte says he will keep playing his young players in the cup tonight, with Kenedy, Ethan Ampadu, 17, Dujon Sterling, 18, and Callum Hudson-Odoi, 17, all in his squad – even though the competition is a good opportunity for the club to win some silverware this season.
Conte said: “I will continue in this way. It’s right to continue by giving the opportunities and the chances to players who have shown me they deserve this opportunity.
“Every competition is ‘serious’. Our task is to try to win the game, and try to reach the semi-final. But at the same time, it’s right in this competition to give the opportunity to the players who are not playing regularly.
“It’s very difficult to ask my players to play every game, every game, every game.”