Sport
Which Prem clubs could use Christian Eriksen?
The immediate concern for Christian Eriksen as he collapsed during Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener against Finland was for his health, not for whether or not he would ever play at football’s elite level again. Plenty inside Parken Stadium feared the worst for the midfielder who suffered a cardiac arrest, but was stabilised on the pitch.
Six months on, Eriksen has recovered to such an extent that he is looking to resume his footballing career. The presence of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, implanted after his cardiac arrest, meant the Dane wasn’t permitted to play in Serie A and so Inter had no choice but to release him. There are, however, no such rules stopping him from returning to the Premier League.
Recent reports claim Brentford have made an offer to Eriksen and it’s easy to see why Thomas Frank would want him at the club for the second half of the season. There is, of course, the national link – there are many Danes currently at Denmark while the West London club also shares an ownership group with FC Midtjylland.
On top of this, Eriksen has the technical ability to thrive in Frank’s system. Brentford play a modern, dynamic style of football, something the Dane played during his time under Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur. He would, however, find himself fighting relegation from the Premier League at Brentford.
The same would be true were Eriksen to sign for Newcastle United, also reported to be interested in the 29-year-old. Eddie Howe needs reinforcements to keep the Magpies in the top flight and Eriksen would give them a much-needed creative edge in the final third. He would allow Newcastle to keep possession higher up the pitch, something that has been an issue for them so far this season.
Leicester City are another club to have been linked with Eriksen, although they might see the Dane as a depth option rather than a first team starter. While the Foxes have struggled for consistency this season, James Maddison has rediscovered his groove as their creator-in-chief. Eriksen likely wouldn’t displace him.
Everton’s name has appeared in the gossip once or twice in relation to Eriksen, although the turmoil at Goodison Park following the exit of Rafael Benitez might have put any plans to offer the Dane a contract on the back burner. What’s more, Eriksen might not wish to enter such a volatile situation. He will need stability to get back to his best on the pitch.
In theory, there could be a place for Eriksen at his old club. Tottenham are still acclimatising to life under Antonio Conte with their midfield the focus of much scrutiny. While Spurs have the likes of Pierre-Emile Hjobjerg and Harry Winks to control games and offer structure, they are missing someone to break through low defence blocks.
This is where Eriksen would come in handy. The 29-year-old is extremely capable when it comes to through balls and shots from outside the box. He is also one of the best set piece takers around, something that Conte made to good use at Inter. Not only does Eriksen have a connection to Tottenham, he has a connection to the new manager in charge there.
Of course, Eriksen’s health is paramount and he mustn’t do anything that could endanger this, but there is a sense the Dane has plenty still to offer as a player. The Premier League saw the best of Eriksen earlier in his career and so it’s unsurprising that so many suitors are lining up to make their sales pitch to the 29-year-old.
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