Chelsea preview: Patience must be a family virtue for Andreas Christensen

Andreas Christensen and his father should not allow the Virgil van Dijk transfer saga to distract them. Whether Chelsea sign the Southampton man or not, Christensen needs to keep his head down, train hard and make the most out of whatever opportunities Antonio Conte gives him.

Andreas Christensen has made his way to the final round of the Chelsea youth and loan elimination game. He now has a squad number, his main competition (Kurt Zouma) is on loan and he is in the top five of Chelsea’s depth chart. As much as is ever possible for a young Chelsea player, Christensen is in control of his future, at least for this season.

Christensen must now choose whose path he will follow. On one side are Victor Moses, Cesc Fabregas and Pedro. Last season, under different circumstances and at different points in their career, they spent their weekends on the bench and bided their time. In training, though, they gave Antonio Conte everything they had and everything he needed to see. When Conte called on them in his moment of need, they delivered impeccably and became regulars in the starting XI.

On the other side are Nathaniel Chalobah and Nathan Ake. They did not wait, and now they are not Blues. Time will tell whether they or Victor Moses, in particular – another serial loanee – chose wisely.

Must Read: Chelsea transfer watch shifts to courtrooms and Champions League quals

Patience may not be a virtue that runs strongly in the Christensen family. Andreas’s father-manager, Sten, has previously threatened that Andreas will leave Chelsea if he does not see consistent, substantial playing time this season.

That is an understandable perspective for a parent or a manager to have. But it is not his choice whether Andreas Christensen plays. And more importantly, it is Andreas Christensen’s effort and output – not Sten Christensen’s ultimata – that will determine such things.

Sten Christensen appears to have recognized his son’s place in the Chelsea squad. After relaying a quote from Antonio Conte that sounds distinctly un-Conte, Christensen acknowledged Andreas’ place in the squad.

"But of course he’s still young, only 21 and if you look at the guys he’s up against it’s going to be difficult. But we’ll have to be patient. – quoted in We Ain’t Got No History"

Christensen’s immediate prospects will take a hit if Chelsea sign Virgil van Dijk. Van Dijk will immediately compete for a starting XI slot, which will raise Christensen’s competition for the substitute and domestic cup appearances.

However, van Dijk’s arrival could set in motion a series of player re-assignments that could work to Christensen’s favour. With another top-calibre, true centre-back in the lineup Antonio Conte may be more comfortable converting his existing centre-backs into wing-backs or defensive midfielders.

Gary Cahill and Virgil van Dijk are full-out centre-backs. Cahill also has the advantage of being the club captain. David Luiz, though, could move forward into defensive midfield, particularly while Tiemoue Bakayoko is out of the lineup. Cesar Azpilicueta could also move up the pitch, either to midfield or as a wing-back. And Antonio Rudiger could also be a wing-back convert.

Andreas Christensen appears to be more of a true centre-back, like Cahill and van Dijk. If necessity – transfers, injuries, tactics – forces Antonio Conte to get creative with his centre-backs, Christensen may quickly move up the depth chart and into the XI.

Next: Chelsea show similarities to 2010/11 with small squad in title defence

When that chance comes – whatever the circumstances, competition and match-week – Christensen must be ready to pounce on it. A sense of entitlement or impatience from any Christensen will ensure he never even gets the chance. But if he does what Chelsea’s best did last season, Christensen can make the position his.