Chelsea flop labelled ‘best defender in the world’ by international boss after release on free transfer

FORMER Chelsea flop Andreas Christensen has been hailed as one of the best centre-backs in the world.

The Danish defender left the Blues at the expiry of his contract last summer.

GettyAndreas Christensen joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summer[/caption]

EPADenmark boss Kasper Hjulmand has hailed him as ‘one of the best’ centre-backs[/caption]

He went on to sign for Barcelona on a free transfer and has become a regular member of the team.

The 26-year-old has featured 25 times in all competitions this season for Xavi’s side.

Christensen is also currently on course to win a LaLiga title in his first season with the club.

Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand has praised the defender ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Finland and Kazakhstan.

He said: “Andreas Christensen is one of the best centre-backs in the world, if not the best.

“If I was at a club and I had to choose a centre-back, I would choose him.”

The comments echo that of Xavi’s own praise for Christensen back in January when he hit back at critics that suggested Real Madrid had done the better deal by signing Antonio Rudiger, who had also walked away from Chelsea.

He said: “Surely the signing of Christensen has been the less highlighted, but he has been extraordinary.

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“I remember when people said that Real Madrid signed Chelsea’s starting centre-back, and we signed the substitute.”

During his time at the Blues, Christensen featured 161 times but was often not the first-choice defender.

The Dane was viewed as a backup to either Rudiger or Thiago Silva.

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