Andreas Christensen earmarked for future Chelsea captain
By Travis Tyler
Antonio Conte believes Andreas Christensen can become Chelsea captain one day. The player seems destined for the role and it is a matter of when, not if.
It is easy to forget just how young Andreas Christensen is. At just 21, he has already been a fixture in Chelsea fans’ eyes for two and a half seasons. With all the skill he has, one new to the game would mistake him for a veteran.
His misplaced pass against Barcelona that led to the goal was a reminder that he still has growing to do. The skill is there, experience will come. Antonio Conte did not even remember the mistake.
Instead, Conte chose to remember what Christensen did well. And, he added, the Dane can become captain one day.
That is a mighty backing from the manager after a costly mistake. But one that is completely true. Christensen, more than others, could stay at the club for the long haul. And he has already shown signs of a captain.
The skill is clearly there. But a captain also needs consistency. Christensen is consistency personified. He is willing to direct his teammates with years more experience than him. Perhaps this is something he felt comfortable doing after two years in Germany where he could grow away from elite players and the awe that comes with them.
The only other ingredient Christensen needs to become captain is timing. Former Chelsea manager Gianluca Vialli rues not using John Terry more often. His successor, Claudio Ranieri, used him almost immediately to great effect. Then when the captaincy became vacant shortly afterwards, Terry was there to take the armband.
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Christensen has already broken through the playing time barrier. David Luiz getting injured early in the season helped, but the Dane has taken his role and refuses to let go. Arguably, Christensen has been Chelsea’s most consistently and perhaps even best player all season. The only thing missing is the armband becoming vacant.
For now, Gary Cahill is captain. He has another year on his contract which he is unlikely to see extended based on current form. Cesar Azpilicueta will likely step into the role next, but he is approaching 30 and will not be around forever. After those two, captain becomes a bit of a toss up.
Antonio Conte, if still manager, seems to want Christensen to be next in line. Other managers could come in and think the same. That is what happened with John Terry when Jose Mourinho came to the club.
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This is all years away from happening. But Christensen has all the advantages he needs to become captain. It is a matter of when he becomes captain, not if he becomes captain.