Danish defender Andreas Christensen, acquired by FC Barcelona for absolutely no transfer fees whatsoever, has proven to be one of the most sensible and smart transfers done by the Catalan club in the last few years.
The player has not only integrated himself into the club’s system and environment rather instantly and effortlessly, he has moreover become an integral part of that very system itself.
A player that plays for the sake of the team and its united goal, rather than one that likes to have moments in the highlight reels. An unspoken guardian at the back, who alongside Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde, makes the team that much more secure at the back.
During last year’s summer transfer window, when both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger had become free agents, FC Barcelona chose to go for the Dane while their arch-rivals Real Madrid ended up going for the German.
At the time this decision was ridiculed by fans and others alike. Thought to have ended up with the less-able defender while Real Madrid had hit the jackpot by acquiring Rudiger’s services; the tables have since turned massively.
Now universally being accepted as the better signing, one that has proven to be far more reliable and less of a liability on the field, Andreas Christensen has showcased through his stellar performances and consistent shows of quality that he is currently amongst the elite defenders of Europe.
The ex-Chelsea defender has a total of 49 recoveries for FC Barcelona this season and a sublime pass success rate of 94.4%. The player has also showcased great composure under pressure as well, having needed to commit only 6 fouls thus far in the Blaugrana jersey.
Having played a total of around 724 minutes thus far in cumulation this season, the Danish center-back has showcased a number of impressive qualities. His incredible composure and distribution with the ball, his tall height, and impressive aerial prowess (something he also showcased against Sevilla, winning 6 out of 7 aerial duels), as well as his excellent positioning are a few from amongst his other numerous commendable qualities.
And, more so than anyone else’s, it remains Xavi’s words that seem to do justice to Christensen’s value to the team. The Barcelona manager himself stated, “Andreas gives me a lot of confidence and security. He solves everything very well. He is a very good signing. He is daring more to drive and fix opponents.” clearly emphasizing on the player’s reliability and great quality.
The player is now next expected to start in Barcelona’s upcoming clash against Villarreal, a match of the utmost importance to the Catalan’s pursuit of the La Liga title, before then indefinitely being amongst the first to be called upon for La Blaugrana’s UEFA Europa League clash against English side Manchester United.
