Ashley Williams has praised Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen’s versatile display in Denmark’s 4-0 win over Wales in the Euro 2020 round of 16.
The 25-year-old has certainly been one of the standout performers in the tournament so far.
His being quite familiar with the back-three system at Chelsea certainly helped since Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand deployed a 3-4-3 formation in their three group matches.
On Saturday, however, Hjulmand decided that his team did not need three centre-backs to deal with Wales’ lone striker Kieffer Moore.
Instead, he pushed Christensen into the midfield where he was given the task to stop Wales’ playmaker Aaron Ramsey instead.
Former Wales captain Williams seemed surprised by how well Christensen adapted to the position.
“Arguably, Christensen was man of the match today,” Williams told BBC.
“For a centre half by nature to move into midfield today and be comfortable in possession, he’s having a great summer.
“Fair play to him, the manager has asked him to do something a little bit different, and he was brilliant.”
Chronicle view
To be fair, most Denmark fans would not be surprised by Hjulmand’s decision.
The centre-back has already slotted into midfield for the national team on several occasions before.
Given his ability with the ball at his feet, he never had any problem operating as a holding midfielder.
At Chelsea, Reece James seems to be the defender that would slot into midfield when needed, but Christensen could be an alternative option as well going forward.
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