Christian Eriksen and his form !!

[glospur]

He's great at reading the game and intercepting (the way he intentionally duped James Tomkins was a thing of beauty), but he isn't the bravest when it comes down to a 50/50 challenge. That's something we see almost every game.

Yep, but there's a difference between saying it the way you just did and calling him a 'pussy' or calling him weak. That's the point I was making, and any who indulge in the latter are absolutely pathetic imo. We wouldn't want pundits or other fans referring to our players that way so it doesn't make it excusable for our fans.

 

[Kiedis]

Yep, but there's a difference between saying it the way you just did and calling him a 'pussy' or calling him weak. That's the point I was making, and any who indulge in the latter are absolutely pathetic imo. We wouldn't want pundits or other fans referring to our players that way so it doesn't make it excusable for our fans.

Point taken.

 

[CJMurray]

It says that those people that say he's a 'pussy' who's afraid to get hurt, put a foot in or win the ball are 100%, categorically incorrect. I've always thought comments like those about our own players are absolutely pathetic and despicable anyway and says more about the person saying/posting them than the player himself.

No it doesn't. It's a stat that simply indicates that Eriksen is good at winning the ball high up the pitch. Nothing else.

Eriksen can be (and is) both good at winning the ball high up the pitch and someone that whiffs at a tackle.

 

[Borks]

It says that those people that say he's a 'pussy' who's afraid to get hurt, put a foot in or win the ball are 100%, categorically incorrect. I've always thought comments like those about our own players are absolutely pathetic and despicable anyway and says more about the person saying/posting them than the player himself.

Not all interceptions are 50/50s. If a defender misplaces a pass straight to Eriksen, the stats will show an interception. What I witness with my own eyes week in and week out is someone pulling out of 50/50 challenges, costing us goals.

 

[Lemon]

The Eriksen Conundrum. As the rest of the side has improved and gelled, our Dane is increasingly falling into the periphery...

I think Eriksen/Poch need to have a little re-evaluation of what they want from the ex-Ajax man. Alli is driving through the centre and getting beyond Kane. This means Eriksen can not (at the moment) have a central attacking midfield position, as it would curb Alli's game too much.

Lamela's resurgence this season has also infringed on Eriksen's game. Lamela is also occupying forward and central positions, not from a starting position but moving into them either with the ball or as the play develops. As the two central midfielders stay fairly static, there is little space for Eriksen to operate.

It's a difficult one, as you dont want to hinder Alli's form, nor Lamela, but you want to get Eriksen in there somewhere because he has great quality.

I'd be interested to see how we do with Alli in the central midfield two, Eriksen in the hole, and Lamela and Son pushed up with Kane. That would seem the most natural fit for getting all our best players in the team.

Like the core ideas, but think it might be time to convince Eriksen to drop into the 2 and become more Modric than VDV (some games as a test against weaker, bus parked teams), he doesn't have the attacking threat, at the moment, to claim a front 3 place.

 

[gibbospurs]

Very interesting article. The fact that Eriksen has won possession in the final third more than any other player in the PL speaks volumes.

Surely there is a difference between winning the ball back than tackling a player or pressing a player for them to turn it back.?
If the ball bounces to Eriksen after Ali has chased down the player the stat will go to Eriksen. He doesn't hustle or tackle the player that often to get that stat himself. Nothing will change the way he plays now. He isn't going to start going into leg breakers with Shawcross. Marmite really. I could kick the TV tho when I see him bottle every challenge. Sooooo frustrating.

 

[sparx100]

Some of the people on here are over -reacting. Form is temporary, class is permanent. Would still be in my first choice 11.

 

[hellava_tough]

I haven't read the whole thread so this may or may not have been mentioned already.

Monitoring players' form, whether they be players who have a lot of raw talent, or who are 'fans favourites', will be key in the coming years if Spurs are to win titles, etc.

Poch has to take a leaf out of Sir Alex's book when it comes to this; namely, he has to be ruthless if a player, despite the player's innate skill, is not performing to the required level. If he's not performing then the player should be dropped. If he's still not performing then he's sold. Sir Alex was the master at this and the regular selling of his 'star players', whilst still winning titles, was testament to how adept he was in this area.

What one has to realise is that any athlete only has a certain, usually short, period of time at their peak performance levels. In football it's usually 2 to 3 seasons. Players also peak at different times in their career, usually around 24yrs old, although this varies.

Obviously there are many other factors involved, such as injury and psychological issues, but all in all it's pretty rare nowadays for a player to be performing week in, week out, for a prolonged period of time at a club. This is what separates the average or good players, with the great players; even when the great players have peaked and their form starts to dip, they are so far ahead of everyone else that they're still ahead of the pack.

I don't know if Christian Eriksen has already peaked, or whether we've yet to see his best. That's for the coaching team to decide. To be honest, I've got nothing against the Great Dane. Hell, I've got nothing against any of our players; I want them all to turn into versions of Lionel Messi and win titles for Spurs!

But what I would say is that modern football is very different from eras past. Player turn-over is going to be high because their performance is under more scrutiny than ever. This means we can't get too attached to players like we did in the past, if Spurs is to keep pace with its competitors.

 

[Paolo10]

Eriksen has been (for me) the only real disappointing thing so far about this season, his delivery and shooting from set-pieces has been pretty awful, he doesn't seem to be playing those key passes and setting up the goals he was last season and for the life of me I can't see why.

When you're (regularly) thinking that one of your most talented players should be the guy that comes off to help change a game, then that's a problem. Hoping he can turn it around soon, when Chadli is properly fit I'd like to see Lamela in the middle more than Christian...maybe he needs more competition to up his game as he hasn't been performing anywhere near the level his ability should dictate and hasn't been effecting games enough.

Time for Onomah to get a few starts soon? Liking the look of him in his cameos.

 

[Shadydan]

Eriksen has been (for me) the only real disappointing thing so far about this season, his delivery and shooting from set-pieces has been pretty awful, he doesn't seem to be playing those key passes and setting up the goals he was last season and for the life of me I can't see why.

When you're (regularly) thinking that one of your most talented players should be the guy that comes off to help change a game, then that's a problem. Hoping he can turn it around soon, when Chadli is properly fit I'd like to see Lamela in the middle more than Christian...maybe he needs more competition to up his game as he hasn't been performing anywhere near the level his ability should dictate and hasn't been effecting games enough.

Time for Onomah to get a few starts soon? Liking the look of him in his cameos.

He has made the highest key passes and made the most chances in our team.

 

[Paolo10]

That's unsurprising given his role, but it's not been enough from what I've seen on the pitch. I know the stats, but for the last 2 months he's not really been at it and hasn't looked anywhere near as good as last season (when he had less assists). Games seem to pass him by far too often.

 

[CoopsieDeadpool]

Eriksen has been (for me) the only real disappointing thing so far about this season, his delivery and shooting from set-pieces has been pretty awful.

I feel the same, and have noticed that Lamela now seems to take the majority of our corners, so maybe Poch has also noticed it?

Whatever is affecting Eriksens mojo, I hope he sheds it soon. There's a great player in there, and we'll be better for it if he can rediscover the player who was pretty much outstanding during periods of last season.

 

[Paolo10]

Re: Key Passes

Apparently a key pass is given as the final pass before a shot, that's not exactly what I was driving at. It's more about the quality of that final pass, which I do feel has been lacking this season, especially the last month or so. He just hasn't looked at it IMO.

I've no doubt about his ability, but something hasn't looked right with him lately for me. West Ham was the last game where I thought he looked like the player he is. When was that? October/November?

 

[CoopsieDeadpool]

Re: Key Passes

Apparently a key pass is given as the final pass before a shot, that's not exactly what I was driving at. It's more about the quality of that final pass, which I do feel has been lacking this season, especially the last month or so. He just hasn't looked at it IMO.

I've no doubt about his ability, but something hasn't looked right with him lately for me. West Ham was the last game where I thought he looked like the player he is. When was that? October/November?

Honestly mate, I can't remember the last time he was the standout, or one of the standout players. Last season there were multiple occasions in which he achieved that but, as you say, something just isn't quite right with him so far this season.

Hopefully it's a mental thing, and not something to do with how he's being deployed by Poch. IF it's the latter, I hope it can be addressed & rectified, as we'll be significantly better off for it.

 

[Azazello]

Is he in form?

 

[ClintEastwould]

I actually think Eriksen's all around game has massively improved. He's playing consistent through balls week in week out, where as last season it took him until the final day of the season IIRC. Hes racking up the assists. Yes, he isnt scoring late goals but he sees so much of the ball and makes us tick. Goal scoring is really all thats lacking IMO and honestly that shouldn't even be his main objective. I'm fine withe role hes been playing this season.

As for the complaints that he doesnt go flying into 50/50s, it aint ever gonna happen, so just let it go. Its really not all that important either.

 

[muppetman]

I actually think Eriksen's all around game has massively improved. He's playing consistent through balls week in week out, where as last season it took him until the final day of the season IIRC. Hes racking up the assists. Yes, he isnt scoring late goals but he sees so much of the ball and makes us tick. Goal scoring is really all thats lacking IMO and honestly that shouldn't even be his main objective. I'm fine withe role hes been playing this season.

As for the complaints that he doesnt go flying into 50/50s, it aint ever gonna happen, so just let it go. Its really not all that important either.

This really bothers me. We have a player that most teams would be desperate to have in their side and yet so many of our fans focus solely on the bit of his game that is weak. The guy is never going to go into challenges like Dier, get over it and move on. Enjoy the great stuff he does do.

 

[sundanceyid10]

This really bothers me. We have a player that most teams would be desperate to have in their side and yet so many of our fans focus solely on the bit of his game that is weak. The guy is never going to go into challenges like Dier, get over it and move on. Enjoy the great stuff he does do.

Absolutely!!

 

[CoopsieDeadpool]

This really bothers me. We have a player that most teams would be desperate to have in their side and yet so many of our fans focus solely on the bit of his game that is weak. The guy is never going to go into challenges like Dier, get over it and move on. Enjoy the great stuff he does do.

Top post. One thing, though. I'm not so sure people aren't appreciating what Eriksen does do? I think it's more of a case that they feel he could perhaps do more?

I think Eriksen is a cracking little player BUT he doesn't appear to be at the same level he was last season. Is that fair comment?

 

[Goldman]

Is he in form?

He's no Ghaly..