When England faced Denmark in a friendly match on Wednesday one player stood out for the Scandinavians.
That player was 18 year-old playmaker Christian Eriksen. The Ajax youngster is highly-rated and he showed some of his sublime talent by controlling the midfield battle.
Outshone
He outshone more experienced midfielders but he also outshone England’s new great midfielder hope Jack Wilshere.
They are similar in style but I just feel Eriksen is a step ahead of the Gunners ace. In fact Arsenal are believed to be interested in signing the diminutive star.
Big
A man who knows a bit about the Premier League and Eriksen is ex-Ajax boss Martin Jol. The former-Tottenham chief told the Sunday Times: “In 18 months he’ll be too big for Holland, he is already probably worth the most of any player in the Dutch League.
“He is one of the biggest talents Ajax have ever had in the No 10 position, on a level with Jari Litmanen, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart. As a No 10 he could be the best in Europe. Left foot, right foot, a trick, a shot, he has everything you need.”
I think it’s a bit early to be comparing him with the likes of Sneijder and Litmanen but he has huge potential. Jol obviously rates the youngster highly and expects him to move in the next 18 months. However some reports are suggesting that the youngster could move earlier than that. I very much doubt it.
Destination
Ajax rate Eriksen in the £15milllion bracket but that’s unlikely to put top teams off signing him. He has already been linked with moves to Arsenal and Manchester United. He has however revealed that he doesn’t feel that his style is suited to the Premier League.
The youngster feels the hustle and bustle of the English top flight wouldn’t allow him to play his best football. He also mentioned that he doesn’t yet feel strong enough to compete in the Premier League, but stated it would be an interesting move when he gained more weight and built his body up. At the moment he is considered slightly lightweight.
He currently prefers to think about a move to Serie A or La Liga. I’m sure he would be a good signing for any La Liga side. He is the sort of player who prefers to play the ball on the ground just like the diminutive Spanish midfielders Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
He wouldn’t look out of place in the Barca or Real Madrid midfield. The Spanish giants are no strangers to Danish superstars after Danish legend Michael Laudrup represented both clubs during his glittering playing career. He is of course now managing La Liga side Real Mallorca.
Generation
Eriksen is being labelled as one of the best players of his generation. He is definitely one for the future. In fact he has also been lauded as the best talent to come out of Denmark since the Laudrup brothers in the eighties.
Eriksen seems to have a good head on his shoulders and hopefully he doesn’t let the praise and speculation distract him from fulfilling his immense potential. If he is going to fulfil his potential then not only does he need to develop physically but also mentally.
He is being praised now but at some point in his career he will go through a rough patch and need a mental toughness. Should he develop that mental toughness and build his body up slightly he has the ability to play in any league he wants.
For now though it seems that the 18 year-old is just happy playing in the Eredivisie with Ajax and playing the game he loves. Time is on his side and I’m sure one day he will make it to the top of the game.
Which top league’s style would the youngster?
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