From perennial loanee to Chelsea star - The rise of Andreas Christensen

The 21-year-old has become a fixture in Chelsea's team this campaign, slotting in seamlessly and pushing David Luiz out of the fold in the process.

Perhaps the best compliment you can give the Dane is that based on performances, few have missed the Brazilian.

As far as Chelsea are concerned, Christensen is something or a rare success. Much like many other Chelsea youngsters he was brought in from another club when young (In this case Brondby) and farmed out on loan, spending a successful two-year spell in the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach.

The 21-year-old made 82 appearances for the German side, offering him the chance to master his craft in the cut and thrust of one of Europe's top five leagues, something which Christensen himself believes served him well.

'You have the perfect opportunity as you come from Chelsea to come to somewhere that will help you and push you even more,' he explained.

'I don't think if I went to the Championship it would have worked that well as it did in Germany. 

'You get to feel that pressure from a big crowd in a big stadium. Now when I came back here and you have to be under pressure all the time, it just makes you ready.'

Chelsea's loan manager Eddie Newton is well aware of his capabilities, saying that 'he has always been one of the top players in the academy.'

Whilst Christensen's early days at Stamford Bridge were tarnished by rumours that he was earning £40,000 per week as a teenager (something he and his father always denied), there are no Chelsea fans criticising his wage packet now.

A series of accomplished displays has pushed Christensen into the spotlight and whilst some might choose to question his top-level experience, it is worth noting that whilst Chelsea were spending their weeknights catching up on the latest from the soaps last season, Christensen was playing in the Champions League against Barcelona and Manchester City, with his performance against the former leading Newton to award him 'The highest mark I've given in the loan process. He was Chelsea level, as simple as that'.

A major part of Christensen's appeal is his ability on the ball, he only misplaced two passes on Tuesday and boast a pass completion percentage of 93.33 so far this season.

Coupled with that, he has made 17 interceptions, won 55% of his aerial duels and has made just one mistake leading to a shot on goal, stats that suggest that he may just be the real deal.

As if that weren't enough for Chelsea fans, he also comes with a glowing endorsement from club legend John Terry.

'He's a great kid with a great attitude,' said Terry. 'Every time he came across he'd pick my brains and the defenders' brains. 

'What I liked about him was he felt he could come and be part of this. When any younger player comes into the group as well, it takes a few weeks for them to be accepted because the standard's so high. 

'Once you get the green light, that confidence will make you grow even more.'

Whisper it quietly, but could Chelsea have found Terry's successor?