The Tottenham talent underlined his development on international duty according to White Hart Lane favourite.
Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen in action with Manchester United’s Michael Carrick
Tottenham Hotspur star Christian Eriksen certainly got tongues wagging recently, when he discussed the possibility of a Barcelona move with Denmark publication Esktra Bladet.
“Barcelona is a fantastic club – I don’t think there a lot of players who would say no to Barcelona,” Eriksen said, only feeding fears he could eventually move to the La Liga giants if they made a concerted move.
And this week he demonstrated just why the biggest clubs in the world might be willing to consider the playmaker, as he exemplified his improved performances under Mauricio Pochettino in recent years on international duty.
Eriksen netted the opener in a 1-1 draw to World Cup holders Germany, skippering his side into pressing the Germans into a mistake – the 25-year-old lashing home from the edge of the box after intense pressure from the home team.
Denmark v Germany friendly soccer match – Broendby Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark
Following the game, Tottenham favourite and Euro 96 winner Steffen Freund outlined how the Dane has developed both mentally and technically, and perhaps why Pochettino and the Spurs fanbase would be so devastated were Barcelona to test the club’s desire to hold on to their creative star.
“His personality is stronger now, he shows more responsibility and that is why he’s wearing the captain’s armband for Denmark,” ex-Germany player Freund told the Tottenham website.
“He’s in a fantastic way and as Spurs get stronger and stronger, it’s reflected in Christian’s performances as well.
Steffen Freund was Assistent Head Coach at Spurs under Andre Villas-Boas
“Christian is a key player and if you talk about goals of course you talk about Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Heung-Min Son, but Christian’s influence is key as well for assists, set-pieces and the ability to produce something special. You love to have a player like that in your team.”
It’s certainly proof of Eriksen’s development if he can lead his national side into applying some of the strengths of his club team. Tottenham’s high press and commitment were a hallmark of their success last season, an underachieving Denmark side could certainly benefit from such an approach.
The midfielder himself had a stellar campaign as Spurs comfortably finished in second spot. His 12 goals and 23 assists from 48 matches marked him as one of the most dangerous players in the division – matching his best ever goal output and far exceeding his most creative season.
Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen applauds fans
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
