Player watch: Christian Eriksen

Singh_Yid said:

I'm hoping he signs a one year extension, stays here, kick it forward with us til the end of this season, and then have an agreement to be sold next summer. (Kinda like Modric, who stayed, and did fking superb his last season, and then went to RM)

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guernman said:

I am pretty shocked by some of the negative comments on here about our most important player of recent years. Eriksen was run to the ground last season. So he pulls out of tackles which could injure him - bloody fantastic I say! If he didn't we would'nt be finishing top 4 or reaching a CL final - Kane, take note! It doesn't mean he doesn't work his arse off for the team or get very much stuck in.

Some people need to take a better look at what Eriksen does for this team. We all know that he is the number one assist maker in the PL over the last 5 years, even if he was only third last season with Hazard taking top spot. Hazard scores more goals, but Eriksen scores plenty and they tend to be bloody important ones too. But the bigger picture is that Hazard would struggle to play for Pochettino because he is only putting in a fraction of the effort Eriksen does, time and time again.

He may have the good sense to pull out of tackles which might seriously injure him, but it doesn't stop him making countless important tackles and interceptions because he reads the game so well and frankly runs his arse off. I exaggerate of course, you can count them - he made 41 successful tackles last season in the league, compared to Hazard's 14 (or Ozil's 20). He is always in the top percentile for distance covered and one of our most ardent pressers a la Poch. His total contribution to the team puts Hazard and Ozil to shame.

Since he joined us, if there was one player whose absence spelt trouble it was Christian. But sure let's want him out because he had the sheer audacity to suggest that after six seasons of brilliant service to the club he wants to try a new challenge and lifestyle abroad (besides new shiny players who haven't proved themselves in the PL are of course much better).

He has been the consummate professional throughout and he has never thrown his toys around or disrespected the club in any way, but let's get rid of the scoundrel now in case he jeopardises a new toy for us.

If a player chooses to refuse to sign a new contract and play a number of years earning a pittance compared to what he deserves, all to ensure that he keeps control of when he moves on, how can this be criticised? For me, if he signed better terms one year and then kicks up a fuss when we won't let him leave in the next window, that can and should be criticised. See Zaha last season. Eriksen, though, has been completely honest and respectful throughout.

If you want to compare european finals and how Hazard stepped up and Eriksen looked flat, perhaps you want to consider the work rate the two players showed over the season to get their teams there. Hazard is mercurial, I agree, but also a lazy bastard (does anyone think Christian would turn up at Madrid a stone overweight?). Eriksen had been forced to carry this team over a long gruelling season where he couldn't be rested but still out-ran and out-worked the vast majority of his team mates. He had run out of gas by the end, and it hurt him more than any of us.

Eriksen couldn't get a rest all season, by contrast Hazard regularly took them even during matches.

And of course Eriksen is bloody upset right now because he really deserves his dream move, and anyone who understands football and actually looks at his stats compared to Hazard and Ozil should appreciate that. I feel for him, I really do. But should he stay and actually finally be given some competition for his place (and more importantly a rest from time to time) everything this player has ever done, week in, week out, for years, suggests he will keep giving his all for this team. Whether he signs a new deal or not.

I will be delighted for every additional season we get from a player that is already deserving of legendary status, and frankly deserves a lot more respect and appreciation.

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Cinemattis said:

The only fault with this post, is that I couldn’t rate it with a trophy. ???

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thePessimist said:

would not surprise me if his agent/interested club(s) has adviced him to sit tight til after the english window has closed so the price drops.

however, if he ends up here for another season i expect him to do a good job for us. he’s not a long time sulker primadonna type

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Cornpattbuck said:

Pretty sure he'd enjoy the football Ndombele and Lo Celso add into the mix too. Should create a lot more space and lessen the creative burden on him.

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Spurs 1961 said:

Hope he decides that the only way to get RM to notice him is by playing at the top of his game especially in the Champions League

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MichaelPawson said:

With Ndombele around to open up space for him, and Lo Celso taking up some of the creative burden, he could be back to vintage Eriksen if he knuckles down and gets his confidence and focus back. Still haven't given up on him.

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Cornpattbuck said:

Pretty sure he'd enjoy the football Ndombele and Lo Celso add into the mix too. Should create a lot more space and lessen the creative burden on him.

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