Chelsea youngster Andreas Christensen proved he belongs in assured display
In his first proper season with Chelsea’s senior squad, Andreas Christensen is being continuously judged. He confirmed that he belongs with an assured display against Liverpool.
Andreas Christensen got the nod over David Luiz on Saturday afternoon as Chelsea visited Anfield. While the Blues’ overall display was underwhelming, Christensen impressed. In his first full season with the senior squad, the Dane is proving that he is up to the task.
Luiz has caused a stir in recent weeks. His antics have just deepened the split in opinion on him. Coming into this game, the question was whether Christensen would start over the Brazilian. Antonio Conte trusted in the youngster and was greatly rewarded.
On the whole, Chelsea’s defensive efforts were decent. Mohamed Salah’s goal came as a consequence of a Tiemoue Bakayoko mistake that summed up the Frenchman’s contribution to the game.
Cesar Azpilicueta was the Blues’ man of the match, but Christensen did not let himself down. For a man who is only 21 years old, the Dane is showing a level of maturity and composure well beyond his age.
When he was sent on a two-year loan to Borussia Monchengladbach, Christensen took advantage of the stability such a deal brought him. He blossomed with regular Bundesliga football (and the odd Champions League game) and Chelsea are now reaping the rewards. He is proving that a loan system can work if, and only if, the right loans are arranged.
This season was always going to be a trial for the Dane. It’s great that he impressed out in Germany, but could he do the same in Chelsea blue? The answer is a resounding yes.
Each game he has played has been another exciting 90 minutes for Chelsea fans. Watching the youngster’s control on the ball and calm in potentially sticky situations is a pleasure.
Unlike the likes of Kurt Zouma, John Stones or Eric Bailly, Christensen has not shown a tendency to make rash challenges. He has not flung himself about unless absolutely necessary. Instead, he has leveraged his positional play and reading of the game to effectively carry out his duties.
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On a rather disappointing night for the Blues, Christensen’s performance was one of the bright spots. Hopefully, he will buy into the club for the long run because, at this rate, he can become a Chelsea great.