KID ANDRE’S THE NEW JT
Conte bigs up defender
ANTONIO CONTE has tipped Andreas Christensen to follow in John Terry’s footsteps and become a Chelsea great. Christensen is just 21 but has already become a regular at the heart of defence in the absence of the injured David Luiz, and Conte already rates him as a potential captain.
But the Italian went even further by saying he hopes the Denmark star goes on to make history at the club just like their most successful skipper. Wish
Conte said: “This is a big comparison. Don’t forget, John Terry wrote the history of this club and won a lot.
“I wish Christensen to have the same career as John. I wish this for him. This is my best wish for him.
“He has the right characteristics to play for this club for many years, to become an important player for this team, for this club.
“We must be happy because Chelsea found a player who can have the same career as some of the best defenders here, in my opinion.
“Christensen is maybe the best surprise from the start of this season, despite his young age. For us, he’s been the best surprise - for me, the club, his team-mates and the fans.”
Terry first captained Chelsea at 20 and went on to win 15 major honours at the club, becoming known as “Captain, Leader, Legend”.
Christensen, who will start against Bournemouth tonight, has had to wait for his opportunity, cutting his teeth on loan at Borussia Moenchengladbach instead.
But his recent form has already prompted talk of a new contract for a player Conte regards as the best youngster at the club.
The Blues boss said: “For a new contract, this situation is for the club to face and find the right solution. But the player is very happy to stay with us and play with this regularity.
“Every time I decided to give him the opportunity to play, he produced an amazing performance.”
Conte will shuffle the pack tonight with Michy Batshuayi set to start up front and youngsters Dujon Sterling and Callum Hudson-Odoi added to the squad.
Asked how Batshuayi can get more game time in the league this season, Conte said: “He has to show me he is better than Morata or Hazard, it’s very simple.”