Antonio Conte believes that academy product Andreas Christensen has the potential to match Chelsea great John Terry’s career after entrusting him with Premier League duties this season.

The 21-year-old has emerged as a reliable regular in the Chelsea defence despite his tender years and relative inexperience, and it has led to comparisons with former Blues captain Terry – who was the last player to emerge from the academy and tie down a place in the first team before Christensen’s arrival.

Terry, who moved on to Championship side Aston Villa last summer, enjoyed 23 trophy-laden years at Stamford Bridge, winning just about every cup on offer at least once and growing into a club icon in the process.

And while that may be a high-billing for Christensen to live up to, Chelsea manager Conte has admitted that he sees the right qualities and talent in the Denmark international to justify putting his potential on the same level as Terry’s.

“This is a big comparison [with Terry],” said Conte. “Don't forget, John Terry wrote the history of this club and won a lot.

Conte believes Christensen can fill the void left by Terry's departure last summer (Getty)

“But I think [Christensen] has the right characteristics to play for this club for many years, to become an important player for this team, for this club.

“I wish Christensen to have the same career as John. I think Chelsea have found a player who can have the same career as some of the best defenders here.”

Having started 11 of Chelsea’s 18 Premier League games this season, Conte believes that Christensen is displaying the right traits in both training and matches to suggest that he is a future Chelsea captain in waiting, and also revealed that the centre-back is in line to earn himself a new contract.

“When you start to play for a great club like Chelsea, for sure the future is yours,” Conte said.

“He's a serious person, always committed in training sessions. He doesn't speak a lot. He prefers facts to words. I can predict a fantastic career for him.”