Antonio Conte believes Andreas Christensen can follow in the footsteps of John Terry and become a Chelsea captain and club legend.
Christensen has cemented his place at the heart of Chelsea's three-man defence since November after David Luiz was dropped by Conte and then suffered a knee injury, which is still keeping the Brazilian out of the squad.
Such has been Christensen's rapid development since returning from his two-year loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer that Chelsea are planning on opening contract talks with the 21-year-old in the new year.
And Conte admits that Christensen has been a pleasant surprise for him this season, and believes the Dane can have a similar, successful career as former Chelsea captain Terry, who departed the club earlier this year.
"His performance was amazing. Every time I decided to give him the opportunity to play, he played with an amazing performance," Conte said.
"These performances convinced me that Christensen has to play with regularity. Christensen is maybe the best surprise from the start of this season, despite his young age. I think that, for us, he's been the best surprise: for me, the club, his team-mates, the fans.
"It's not simple to see this composure, this calmness in a young player. Don't forget, he played big games with great calm and great focus and concentration.
"We must be happy because Chelsea found a player who can have the same career as some of the best defenders here. I hope that Christensen helps me to make sure that happens.
"He's a serious person, always committed in training sessions. He doesn't speak a lot. He prefers facts to words. All characteristics... I can predict for him a fantastic career."
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When then asked whether Christensen can emulate Terry at Stamford Bridge, Conte replied: "This is a big comparison. Also, don't forget, John Terry wrote the history of this club and won a lot.
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"I think he has the right characteristics to play for this club for many years, to become an important player for this team, for this club. Then I wish Christensen to have the same career as John. I wish this for him. This is my best wish for him."
Conte added on a potential new deal for the 21-year-old: "I think this situation is for the club. My task is to improve the players during training sessions, to improve the players in every moment when he stays with us, on or off the pitch.
"But, for a new contract? This situation is for the club to face and find the right solution. But the player is very happy to stay with us and play with this regularity. I think that, maybe, the expectation wasn't so optimistic - to arrive in a great team like Chelsea and play every game.
"But he did. I'm a coach and, if you deserve to play, I don't care if you are only 21 or 17 years old. You must deserve to play: have the right commitment and attitude in training.
"For sure (he could be a future captain). When you start to play in a great club like Chelsea, for sure the future is yours."
