Chelsea news: Antonio Conte hails the rise of Adreas Christensen and believe he can be as good as terry at chelsea

ADS 300px;height:250px

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has insisted that the door is always open at the club for youngsters to progress from the youth team to the first team. The lack of players progressing to the first team has been a topic of discussion for many years, yet the likes of Andreas Christensen and Ethan Ampadu have made big impressions when giving the opportunity so far this season. After making his debut as a 16-year-old in Italy for Lecce, the ex-Juventus coach has stated that more of the club's youngsters could well follow in the footsteps of Christensen.

However, the Italian has said that opportunities will only arise if they deserve them. "I don't care if you are only 21-years-old or 17-years-old," said Conte. "My first game in my career was when I was 16-years-old in Serie A for Lecce. I think I'm the first person to be open to give these opportunities if they deserve, not only if they're a young player. "You can be a young player, but you must deserve to play and have the right education and commitment." Following the huge strides Christensen has taken this season for the Blues, the club are reportedly set to begin contract talks with him at the turn of the year.

"It's not simple to see this composure and calmness in a young player," added Conte. "He's played big games with great calmness, focus and concentration. "We must be happy because Chelsea have found a player that can have the same career as some of the best defenders here. "I hope he continues to develop. I'm sure he will because he's a serious person and is always committed in training. "I can predict for him a fantastic career." With former Blue John Terry predicting big things for Christensen, Conte has his fingers crossed that the Dane can follow in the defender's footsteps following comparisons between the two. "This comparison is a big comparison," added the Italian. "Don't forget John Terry wrote the history of this club and he won a lot. "I think he has the right characteristics to play for this club for many years and become an important player. "I wish Christensen has the same career as John. "This is my best wish for him."

Subscribe to our mailing list