Christian Eriksen

[juanes]

Club:NetherlandsAjax Amsterdam

Nationality:DenmarkDenmark

Age:18

Height:1.75 m / 5.74 ft

Weight:65 kg / 143 lbs

Position:Attacking mid©

http://www.uefa.com/imgml/TP/players/14/2010/324x324/1905884.jpg

Christian Eriksen, the 18-year-old Danish prospect, could be a household name following the upcoming World Cup in South Africa. He is one of the youngest players to be named in any of the provisional squads and has showed in his initial first team performances with Ajax that he can become a huge player.

 

In March he made his first appearance for the Denmark senior national team as a substitute in a 3-1 defeat to Austria in a friendly, thereby becoming Denmark’s fourth youngest international. Eriksen could be key for a Danish side that lacks spark and creativity and could make the difference against Holland, Cameroon and Japan in Group E.

 

Earlier in his short career, Eriksen was named Danish Under-17 Talent of the Year in 2008. After several amazing performances for Odense Boldklub and in the young Danish national teams, many European clubs showed an interest. But in October 2008, Ajax signed him on a three year contract. Eriksen made his debut for the senior Ajax team on January 17, 2010.

 

Eriksen has without a doubt all the qualities to become a very good player or even world class. When you see him play as an attacking midfielder pundits claim it’s as if you’re watching “the new Laudrup” after former greats Michael and Brian.

 

Ajax manager Martin Jol has compared him to former Ajax midfielders Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart, as Eriksen is a playmaker and an attacking midfielder. Jol said: "I have to be very wrong if this player will not become a good, a very good or a top player."

 

He has a fluidity and style in his actions and when that is combined with his superb technical ability Eriksen is a joy to watch. Physically he’s light but he compensates for this with his speed, technique and excellent positioning. The Ajax number 51 has a good right foot shot, crosses the ball well and can play decisive passes that can open up a defence.

 

For someone so young he has a remarkable insight and vision of the game, these are instinctive natural qualities making his action look simple. Mentally he’s very level headed, intelligent and keen to learn. At Ajax these virtues are encouraged and he has the opportunity to develop further.

 

Eriksen has said that only when he has fully learned his trade and become a top player at Ajax then maybe he will consider moving abroad. Playing every week and developing as a player is more important to him than money.

 

In recent months Eriksen was linked with a move to Arsenal after Dennis Bergkamp had reportedly recommended him to Arsene Wenger. Ajax reacted quickly to lengthen his deal in Amsterdam, to 2013/2014, but it is indicative of his potential that he is being talked about by one of the biggest Premier League clubs.

 

If anything though, Eriksen has shown some weak points to his game. In his 17 appearances for Ajax in 2009/2010 he failed to score once despite being presented with a number of good opportunities. This is a facet of his game that needs to be improved and should with more playing time at the top level.

 

Besides Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have also shown an interest. If Eriksen impresses at the World Cup the trickle of major clubs is likely to be a flood and the Danish playmaker could be the most in-demand youngster in European football.