Chelsea FC starlet Andreas Christensen could replace star defender for the Blues

Chelsea FC young Dane Andreas Christensen could replace David Luiz as the central defender in the back three.

The Danish youngster showed a lot of composure and class as the central defender in the back three for Chelsea FC in their recent game against Spurs.

Christensen was given the task of playing as a ‘libero’ in the back three for Chelsea FC and had a great game. His passing, aerial dominance and ability to make decisive clearances under pressure against Spurs and specifically Harry Kane was impressive.

The 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive two seasons on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach where he impressed many.

His fine form won him player of the season at his club in his debut season in the Bundesliga. His second season at the German club was also excellent. He had a pass completion rate of 91.5%. which was one of the highest passing stats for a defender throughout Europe.

The fact that he’s highly regarded as a ball playing central defender makes him a direct rival with David Luiz as the central cog in the middle of defence. The central role in the Chelsea FC defence is one of the most important positions.

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The middle man needs to be able to communicate with the other players in the defensive line, keep the line either highly pressed or deep in a low block. The central man also needs to be able to run with the ball and play out from the back by either passing it to one of the midfielders or pinging up a long ball towards the forwards.

Luiz has done this job excellently for head coach Antonio Conte, but he does still have the occasional lapses of concentration which was his trademark back in his last spell at Chelsea. And while Luiz has largely reduced these errors and impulsiveness from his game thanks to Conte, he is still a liability at times. Christensen looked composed and had Harry Kane beat on many occasions. He also covered well for new boy Antonio Rudiger who had a difficult game on the left hand side with Kane.

If Christensen keeps up the form he showed against Spurs in the next two games, while captain Gary Cahill is out, It’s David Luiz who should be worried about his first team status as opposed to Cahill.

Additionally, with Bakayoko still gaining match fitness, and Cesc Fabregas not a locked on starter after being banned in his recent match, Christensen could well benefit. Luiz was employed as the central holding midfielder against Spurs as there were no other options. Luiz played incredibly well as the central midfielder and was able to dispossess the opposition and pick out passes.

Luiz, in fact, set up Chelsea’s second goal as he tackled a Spurs player and then laid it off which eventually saw Marcos Alonso score for the Blues. We could be seeing Luiz more in that midfield position this season. So, with Luiz being moved up higher into midfield, Christensen is really the only viable candidate to replace him as the central sweeper in defence.

ESPN correspondent Steve Nicol was full of praise for Christensen after his game against Spurs.

"“I do know that Christensen at the back was absolutely fantastic for me. He never put a foot wrong.“He marshalled his back line with ease. I think he was just thrown in and he’s come out smelling of roses and so have Chelsea."

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Christensen is still remarkably only 21-years-old and has a lot more potential, but if he keeps up his form that he displayed against Spurs, he could become one of the best central defenders in the world.