Antonio Conte praises Andreas Christensen and says he can be a future Chelsea captain

1:08 Antonio Conte says Andreas Christensen is the future of Chelsea, and says he has already forgotten the costly mistake he made against Barcelona Antonio Conte says Andreas Christensen is the future of Chelsea, and says he has already forgotten the costly mistake he made against Barcelona

Antonio Conte has heaped praise on Andreas Christensen after his costly mistake against Barcelona, describing the young defender as a future Chelsea captain.

Christensen, 21, played the full 90 minutes of Chelsea's Champions League last-16 first leg tie against Barcelona on Tuesday, but his loose pass across his own penalty area led directly to the Lionel Messi's equaliser.

The Dane has made 31 appearances for Chelsea this season, and Conte said: "Personally I forgot his mistake. When you are a player, during your career you can make a lot of mistakes.

Conte said Christensen's performance against Barcelona was 'wonderful', despite his misplaced pass leading to Lionel Messi's goal

"Christensen is having a fantastic season and he is showing great maturity. His performance was wonderful.

"I trust Christensen. I think this player is the present and also for the future for Chelsea. He can also become the captain of this team."

Chelsea's next game following their draw with Barcelona sees them travel to Old Trafford to play Manchester United on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

The Blues beat United 1-0 at home earlier in the season but Conte played down how big an achievement a league double would be.

Christensen has established himself as a regular in the Chelsea team this season.

He said: "I consider a great achievement if you are able to win something after a season.

"If you are happy because you win only one game against a big team it means that your mentality is very little. You don't have a great mentality."