Every weekend we pick out one under-23 player from around Europe and analyse their performance to provide you with an in-depth scouting report.

This week, we focus on Chelsea‘s 3-1 win over Huddersfield in the Champions League with Scott McTominay being handed his debut in the continental tournament.

BASIC STATS

Tackles – 3

Clearances – 2

Touches – 104

Passes – 98

Pass Accuracy – 98%

EFFECTIVENESS

Playing in the middle of a three-man defence, Christensen had one of the more vital roles in the team. With Chelsea dominating possession and pressing high up the pitch, the Danish international had to shoulder a lot of responsibility.

He was often the starting point of the away side’s build-up play, using the ball well and spreading it on either side. Christensen was also the last man and had to guard against any counter-attack from Huddersfield. He showed great pace and reading of the game to do just that.

As a centre-back, he seems to be excellent in possession, playing the ball out from defence with unerring accuracy. In fact, he completed 98% of his passes on Tuesday night.

It speaks volumes that first, he was subbed off with ten minutes to play as Antonio Conte looks ahead to the weekend fixture and second, that Chelsea suddenly looked vulnerable in his absence and indeed conceded a late goal.

KEY MOMENTS

18th min CLEARANCE: Aaron Mooy whips in a dangerous corner-kick which Christensen does well to head away but it falls to Steve Mounie who can shoots well wide.

62nd min HEADER: A rare break into the Chelsea penalty area for Huddersfield as Tom Ince forces his way past a few players and shoots. His shot is saved by Thibaut Courtois and Christensen heads the rebound away just as it was falling into a dangerous area in the middle of the box.

VERDICT – 8/10

Calmness personified. Christensen may only be 21 but looked like he’s marshalled that Chelsea defence for over a decade. Never put a foot wrong and his reading of the game ensured he never had to do anything desperate. Should be the first name Conte jots down when lining up his defence every week.