Antonio Conte: 'Andreas Christensen can be Chelsea captain'

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has claimed that Andreas Christensen has the potential to become Blues captain.

Christensen returned to Chelsea last summer following a loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, and the 21-year-old has made 31 appearances in all competitions for his English club this season.

The centre-back has largely impressed, but was at fault for Barcelona's equaliser in Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Conte has said that Christensen "is having a fantastic season", and the Italian has tipped the Denmark international to become Chelsea captain.

"During your career you can make a lot of mistakes. If I had to speak about my mistakes from my career we would be here all day," Conte told reporters.

"Christensen is having a fantastic season and showing great maturity. For me, apart from his mistake, his performance [against Barcelona] was wonderful. I trust Christensen. I think this player is a present player for Chelsea and can be here for 10, 12 years. I think he can be captain."

Chelsea will travel to Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.