Player profile: Andreas Christensen

Image: @andreaschristensen3 Instagram

Denmark have progressed steadily over the last few years and going into the 2022 World Cup, they look really strong. They reached the Euro semis last year and have a number of really solid players. One of them is Barcelona's 26 year old Andreas Christensen.

Playing style: Christensen is a centre back and has been utilised all across the back 3 by manager Kasper Hjulmand. The most noticeable part of Christensen's football is immediately his technical ability. He is extremely good on the ball, comfortable at playing out of pressure and progressing it. Another important quality of his are his switches to bring wide players into play. Defensively he is assured if not stupendous. There are weaknesses that can be attacked but Denmark's system is expected to give him ample protection. In fact his best in club football also came in a back 3 system at Chelsea in the 20/21 season.

National team record: Heading into the World Cup, Christensen has turned out 59 times for his country. He made his debut against Montenegro in 2015. Of late he has been a mainstay in the lineup, with 9 appearances in the World Cup qualifiers. He was fantastic in the Euros during Denmark's dream run, even playing out of position at times to suit the team's needs. Although he's not much of a goalscorer, having netted only 2 for his national team, his goal against Russia at the Euros was phenomenal and was one of the goals of the tournament.

Club form: Christensen came to Barca after what was an underwhelming last season at Chelsea. However he has taken to Spanish football like a duck to water. He has been reliable and reassured, not putting a foot wrong yet. His performances have pleasantly surprised a lot of Barca fans and they are hopeful that he will take over the role of the now retired Gerard Pique. Christensen was recently out with injury and that hurt the Blaugrana quite a bit.

Now fit, Christensen will be looking to carry his form into the World Cup and ensure that Denmark go deep again.