According to The Sun, Real Madrid are ready to table a late bid for Tottenham Hotspur star Christian Eriksen this summer. It is believed that Los Blancos are seeking to take advantage of the Dane’s complicated situation at Spurs and will submit a ‘take it or leave it’ offer worth around £60 million. Eriksen’s current contract in North London expires at the end of this season.
Eriksen has been reportedly identified as the ideal replacement for Luka Modric. But, how does he stack up against the Croatian international?
Style of play
Eriksen is an attacking midfielder by trade, unlike Modric, who is more of a number eight. That being said, the Dane is much more versatile as he can operate in the wider role as well as a central midfielder and even a deep-lying playmaker.
The ex-Ajax prodigy generally relies on his set-piece prowess and technical skills to create chances in the final third. However, he is not an excellent ball-carrier, even though he rarely loses possession. And that’s where Modric really shines. The veteran midfielder is a masterful passer of the ball, and his composure and awareness make him an ideal operator, especially in half-spaces.
None of them boasts any physical traits. But, Modric, having been groomed in a central midfield role, has reasonable anticipation that allows him to cut off passes in the middle third.
Statistical comparison
As iterated earlier, Modric is a more defensive-minded player compared to Eriksen. And this is backed up by statistics, with the Croatian making 1.4 successful tackles per game last season, which is marginally better than Eriksen’s 1.2. His tally of almost one interception per game is also higher than the Dane’s paltry 0.4.
Eriksen is considerably better when it comes to chance creation. He averaged 2.1 key passes per game. Modric, in contrast, managed 1.6, which is, by no means, a poor statistic, especially for a central midfielder. The 33-year-old had attained a pass completion of 88% last season compared to Eriksen’s 81%, but that is understandable given his deeper role and the fact that Real Madrid enjoy more possession than Spurs.
And finally, Modric’s ball-carrying skills is indicated by the fact that he had completed 1.6 dribbles per game last season. Eriksen, meanwhile, attempted only one dribble with a success rate of only 50%.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
Verdict
Modric has clearly attained better statistics than Eriksen. But at the same time, the Croatian international is nearing the final stage of his career. And that’s where the Spurs superstar could come into the fray.
He has the technique and skill set to enhance the quality of the Real Madrid, especially with the likes of Isco and Marco Asensio struggling. And at the age of 27, it can be assumed that Eriksen is at the peak of his game. It is also fair to point out that a fee of only £60 million is no less than a bargain for a player, who is regarded as one of the best playmakers in world football.
