2018 World Cup, Australia v Denmark: Star playmaker Christian Eriksen plotting to take down Socceroos
HE was arguably the most technically gifted player in the world for his age but was deemed ‘too nice’ on the pitch. Now Christian Eriksen is on the threshold of greatness and the Socceroos stand in his way.
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DENMARK and Tottenham superstar Christian Eriksen admitted choosing Ajax over bigger name European clubs was the right call, as he plots to undo the Socceroos on Thursday.
A shy kid who was arguably the most technically gifted player in the world for his age but deemed “too nice” on the pitch, Eriksen had a succession of trials as Europe’s elite circled.
Ten years, 78 international games and 22 goals and 300-plus club games (and 70-plus goals) later, Eriksen’s decisions and growing confidence are bearing fruit with Barcelona and PSG circling amid rumours of $150 million-plus offers.
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“I was at Barca (Barcelona), Milan and Chelsea. Chelsea twice, 14 and 15, Barca and Milan at 16. Chelsea wanted one more trial but we said no. They say normally after three trials they offer a contract but we didn’t want to go,’’ Eriksen said.
“(AC) Milan offered a contract, Barca was just trials for a week, we didn’t see a contract offer.
“Holland was my first mindset and Ajax came and it ended up well.
“It was mostly from the stories, and seen and heard how they play and a lot of Danish players go to Holland and the style of player that I am suited me perfectly.
“The first time I came I had the feeling this is somewhere where I can see myself at home. The football is really nice.”
Good judges suspect first-team chances would have been harder to come by at Danish club Odense than Ajax, a noted development club. Even still, his ascent was rapid.
Signing age 16 in 2008, the skilful midfielder with a superb free-kick debuted on January 17, 2010 and five months later was the youngest player at South Africa 2010, playing against Netherland and Spain.
His 2010 roommate, former Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen said expectations and a lack of confidence affected Eriksen.
“He’s very quiet, low key. That’s held him back – he’s been too modest,’’ Sorensen said.
“He struggled with expectations in the Danish team, because my generation with (Thomas) Gravesen, (Jon-Dahl) Tomasson, Ebbe Sand, we slowly fizzled out and then everybody viewed him as the next star, the next (Michael) Laudrup.
“He didn’t deliver for a few years. Now with the new coach he’s found his space, grown as a person, he’s more confident, more mature. Now he starts to believe he could be a world-class player.
“Before everyone was saying it, but I don’t think he believed it himself. Too modest.”
Christian Eriksen CV
- Born: February 14, 1992
- Clubs: Ajax 2008-2013 Tottenham 2013-
- Current Country: Denmark 78 games (22 goals)
- Individual honours: Danish player of the year: 2013, ’14, ’15, ’17 PFA Premier League team of the year 2017-18 Spurs player of the year 2013-14, 2016-17
Sorensen believes the Russia 2018 stage is set for Eriksen, 26, who made a stunning start against Peru.
“To judge him, people will be looking at this World Cup now because he’s in his prime. He’s been great for Tottenham,’’ he said.
“I’ve said that he could be ready to move to Barcelona or a bigger club. This is the World Cup where he can cement himself in that (top bracket). It’s the right time.”
Originally published as 2018 World Cup, Australia v Denmark: Star playmaker Christian Eriksen plotting to take down Socceroos