Andreas Christensen’s absence proves how vital he has become for Chelsea
By Travis Tyler
Since Andreas Christensen went down injured, Chelsea have leaked goals at the back. His absence proves how vital he has become for Chelsea.
Antonio Conte called Christensen “the best surprise” of the season back in December. Indeed, the young Dane has shot quickly into Chelsea’s starting XI and has refused to let go of his place.
It should be of no surprise that Chelsea look particularly lost without him. Notable games he did not feature in include the 3-0 loss to Roma and the 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace.
Recently, he went down injured 28 minutes into the Bournemouth match. His absence was clearly felt as the Blues fell 3-0 at home to the Cherries.
The Cherries had the upper hand but found little space with Christensen sweeping at the back. When he came off, Gary Cahill took his place as the center of the back line. Conte has tried that before but it failed most terribly against the Cherries. The captain is simply not as calm on the ball or as good at reading the game. There is also the matter of his slowness to cover for his partners.
He missed the next game through the same injury. Though Watford had a man advantage for a full hour, the Dane’s absence coincided with a Blues capitulation into a 4-1 loss.
The Dane’s absence was felt most towards the end of the match. David Luiz was having a fantastic game until Chelsea went behind again. Then he and Cahill forgot how to play football. The Hornets cut them to pieces and it stung.
It is hard not to wonder how those games would have gone had Christensen been available for the full 90. He by no means guarantees clean sheet. But he has proven himself as the best sweeper available. He has also proven himself the best defender on the roster.
Conte will be eagerly awaiting his return. Christensen is a testament that the loan army and the academy can work. He took his chance early in the season with gusto. Now Chelsea do not know how to live without him.
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With a difficult run of fixtures including Barcelona twice and both Manchester clubs, all at Chelsea will keep their fingers crossed for the Dane’s swift recovery.