Andreas Christensen has been hailed as ‘one of the best defenders out there' by Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand following dramatic qualification into the Euro 2020 knockout stage.
The Denmark manager guided his side to a triumphant 4-1 win over Russia which saw Chelsea’s academy graduate seal the momentous win with an electrifying strike that erupted the Parken Stadium into sheer pandemonium.
Mikel Damsgaard opened the scoring for the Danes with a delicately curled effort into the top corner. Yussuf Poulsen then doubled the lead in Copenhagen, latching onto a loose pass back to Russia's goalkeeper Matvei Safonov.
Denmark began to edge ever closer to qualification out of the group. But then Artem Dzyuba injected an element of hope into his Russian comrades' survival efforts with a neatly placed penalty.
The tie was drawing to a close until the ball dropped to the edge of the box. Christensen then arrowed the ball in from range nestling beyond Safonov's reach. Just three minutes later Joakim Mæhle scored Denmark's fourth burying the tie once and for all.
After the game, Hjumland showered Christensen with praise claiming that the 25-year-old ‘has everything he needs’ as a professional.
He said: “Andreas Christensen is just one of the best defenders out there.
“He has everything he needs, and the performance here was top notch.”
Patience is key
Speaking to ChelseaFC.com on his side’s victory over Russia, Christensen claimed that it was important to remain nonchalant while also maintaining their quality.
The Chelsea defender said: “We tried to start strong, as we did against Belgium, but we knew very well that because they might take a draw, they would be difficult to open up.
“It was about having patience without playing slowly. It was maybe a little too slow in the first half but as soon as it opened up we showed our quality. In the end, the right team won.”
Having made his Chelsea debut in 2014 and featuring 127 times for the Blues first team, Christensen is yet to score.
Speaking on his incredible goal, he said: “I don’t think the keeper could see anything because he didn’t really manage to react.
“I was just trying to keep the ball down and it worked so it looks really good!
“Of course, I’m incredibly happy with the goal and happy that I could contribute to the team’s victory.”
Fan frenzy reaction
Christensen’s goal versus Russia will go down in European folklore, and will inevitably become a ‘the streets won’t forget’ goal, as social media exploded into a frenzy.
Christensen’s strike gave me flashbacks to Prime David Luiz smacking them in from distance. Middle of a back 3, ball-playing centre back, Champions League Winner. He's ready to bump chests with Thiago Silva next season. pic.twitter.com/vCpgGhyb2F
— MAH (@matissearmani) June 21, 2021
Jorginho running the Italian midfield, Kai Havertz showing Bruno Fernandes levels, Billy Gilmour MOTM on his international debut, Christensen MOTM & scoring one of the goals of the tournament.
— Conn (@ConnCFC) June 21, 2021
Chelsea players running the Euros.
I hope Chelsea fans will agree to the fact that Christensen is a better goalscorer than Timo Werner....
— Lατιf🦅 (@iLatif_) June 21, 2021
ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN V #RUS
— Christensen Xtra (@ChristensenXtra) June 21, 2021
1 interception
2 clearances
2 tackles
5/5 dules won.
7/9 aerial dules won.
1 ABSOLUTE SCREAMER ⚽️🚀
We move🐐 pic.twitter.com/2Ea1lmL5Xw