Chelsea centre-back Andreas Christensen replaced Thiago Silva in the starting lineup for the 2-1 win over Sheffield United last night and the Danish international put in an excellent display.
There have been some questions about the centre-back’s form this season, following a number of below-par performances, but he was commanding at the back yesterday, leading to praise from a number of supporters on Twitter:
I wish he could always be like this…
— Captain Awesome The PR ? (@Captawesome_pr) February 7, 2021
He’s been really good
— Suh dude (@KasperRiise) February 7, 2021
Largely immense since he replaced Thiago Silva.
— Fredrik Temmes (@FredrikTemmes) February 7, 2021
For me he was the motm. First time I am seeing him handle physical team well
— CFCtpa (@tpananth) February 7, 2021
Silva is probably the perfect role model Christensen can look up to.
— দেবরুপ চৌধুরী।Debrup Choudhury (@choudhurymoshai) February 7, 2021
Looks like he’s finally taking his time and making better decisions rather than before just jumping in. The experience of having Thiago around must have helped
— Olly Beaumont (@beaumont04) February 7, 2021
He’s better in a 3 back
— CFC Eze (@Momamba19) February 7, 2021
He was superb tonight never put afoot wrong.
— stuart goodwin (@stuartgoodwin17) February 7, 2021
He is quality I dont get the hate
— david morrell (@davidmo69044978) February 7, 2021
He's more comfortable at 3 CB.
— Valdi Noor Azhar (@ValdiNoorAzhar) February 7, 2021
Christensen has always looked more comfortable playing in a back three, with his physical and technical qualities seemingly much better suited to the system.
The Danish international was utilised in a similar role when Antonio Conte was manager back in the 2017/18 season and it appears as though he could feature prominently now Thomas Tuchel is employing the same formation.
Thiago Silva is unlikely to be out for long with a thigh injury so Christensen will have to make the most of his opportunities while the Brazilian is absent from the team.