On Tuesday night, Tottenham playmaker Christian Eriksen played a key role in Denmark winning 5-1 against the Republic of Ireland to seal a place at next year’s World Cup.
The former Ajax star scored a hat-trick and was highly influential throughout the crucial clash. Ireland gave him far too much room and the midfielder exploited it expertly. Eriksen’s performance will not have surprised most Tottenham fans. However, he does not seem to get the credit he deserves.
Dragged his country to the World Cup
His contribution to Denmark’s place in Russia was not limited to his performance in Dublin. The midfielder had already scored eight times in qualifying.
Eriksen equalled Romelu Lukaku’s goal tally in qualifying, while also scoring three more goals than Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane in the group stages, who is, of course, his clubmate. He did play more games than Lukaku, though.
In short, Eriksen has been the driving force behind his country’s qualification for the World Cup. No doubt, Eriksen will carry on being the shining light in a Denmark team built around the talented midfielder.
Eriksen has matured into a fine player
Christian Eriksen was highly rated even during his early playing days turning out for Ajax in the Eredivisie. He was clearly a special player, who would have a bright future in the game.
The midfielder has always produced a decent level of consistency at Tottenham, contributing assists and being a creative fulcrum for his side. Last season he produced 15 Premier League assists, while the season before he created 13 top-flight goals.
The one common criticism of the Eriksen is that he does not score enough goals. The midfielder has got into double figures for goals just once in his time at Tottenham. Eriksen could be ready to put that right in the near future.
The fact that he does not get the goals that he is capable of is maybe why Eriksen is not rated as highly as he should be among Europe’s elite. This season the playmaker has already scored three times for Spurs and produced two assists.
His performances for Denmark confirm that he is capable of scoring more goals in the near future for club and country in the near future.
Even without being prolific, Eriksen has played a vital part in Tottenham moving to the next level under Mauricio Pochettino. The understanding he has built up with the likes of Kane and Dele Alli has helped the north Londoners become an exciting team to watch.
However, more importantly, he has helped Tottenham become a real Premier League force and title challengers to boot. At 25-years-old, he is just entering his peak years as a footballer. Signs are that he is maturing like a fine wine and he will only get better with age.
Denmark can surprise at World 2018
Denmark pulled off one of the biggest shocks in European football history when they won Euro 1992. The Danes were only at the competition because Yugoslavia had to pull out, which makes their achievement even more incredible.
I doubt many believe that Eriksen and co. can pull off something similar In Russia. The bookmakers certainly do not think so, as they are 80/1 to win next year’s World Cup.
However, Denmark have the capability of shocking people in Russia. The Scandinavians have a decent defence, while the attacking talents of Yussuf Poulsen, Nicolai Jorgensen and Eriksen, of course, can cause opposition defences major problems.
The World Cup is more than six months away. No doubt, Eriksen’s thoughts will now turn back to Tottenham and helping Pochettino’s side to a successful season, starting with a trip to north London rivals Arsenal this weekend.
It seems likely that Eriksen will continue to be an influential figure for club and country for years to come. One day he may get the credit he deserves for his football ability.
Does Christian Eriksen get the credit he deserves for his performances?
