As one of the longest-serving members of the current Chelsea team, Andreas Christensen has a long history with the Blues. Fans have seen him arrive as a fresh-faced youngster, and then have watched as he went in and out of the first-team for a number of seasons. Under Thomas Tuchel, though, the Dane has found a coach who is a huge fan. Tuchel was known to rate Christensen when he was at Borussia Monchengladbach, with Tuchel keen to land the player when he was previously at Borussia Dortmund.
However, now that the duo are working together in West London, there is a clear connection. So much so that Christensen, who has stalled on signing a new deal in the past, looks set to agree to new terms to keep him at the club in the long-term. Set to win his 50th cap against Israel in FIFA World Cup qualifying, Christensen was clear that he was keen to stick around further at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to Danish press on international break, Christensen was quoted as saying: “I know a lot is being said right now. I can not say too much, but I think it looks good. We have won the Champions League and the Super Cup. I am very happy to be at this club and feel Chelsea are the right place to be in England.”
At 25, Christensen has gone through the youth development phase and now looks set to become a clear first-team regular. Tuchel likes his versatile nature, his technical quality, and his solid defensive style. A truly modern defender, the Dane has become a surprisingly crucial part of the Tuchel team; they typically play much better when he is available and on the pitch.
What has led to the change for Andreas Christensen at Chelsea?
Like many players who signed for Chelsea as a youth, Christensen has spent many years with transfer rumours hanging over him. A hugely impressive spell in Germany alerted teams to his clear talent, and it eventually led to some chances for Chelsea when he was younger. However, subsequent coaches and changes have left Christen as an in-and-out part of the Chelsea team.
In fact, under previous coach Frank Lampard game time could be inconsistent. With a coach who followed him for so many years, though, it is clear that Christensen is benefiting from the mutual respect.
Speaking about what has made the change, Christensen noted the favour that has been shown to him by the German tactician. On his return to first-team regular action, Christensen said: “I know Thomas Tuchel believes in me. I have also played a big role since he came. I had a very difficult period under Lampard, shortly before he was fired.
“Now luckily it’s going the right way for me. But yes, things can go fast in this world. The most important thing is just that I have never given up.”
Chelsea fans, then, can expect Christensen to stick around Stamford Bridge for a few more years yet.
