According to a recent report by The Express, Premier League strugglers, Tottenham Hotspur are said to have readied up a four-man shortlist consisting of players who they think could replace the departing Christian Eriksen. The Danish international is contracted to Spurs only until the end of the season, which means that if Spurs fail to sell him in January, they will be forced to watch from the sidelines as he walks away for free in the summer.
The report is suggesting that they have set their eyes on four players from four top European leagues – Hakim Ziyech of Ajax, Lorenzo Pellegrini of Roma, Bruno Fernandes of Sporting Lisbon, and Brais Mendez of Celta Vigo. Although Spurs acquired Giovani Lo Celso last season with a view of him potentially replacing Eriksen in the heart of midfield, the Celta Vigo loanee has struggled to get up to the pace and intensity of the Premier League.
What Does Christian Eriksen Add To Tottenham Hotspur?
Undoubtedly the calmest man on the pitch every time Spurs line up to play, Eriksen can make or break a football match with his qualities. He has the tenacity and dynamism to be an effective Premier League midfielder, while also possessing the technical ability to excel in tight situations as well.
He frequently plays mind-blowing passes from deep, and is arguably, Tottenham Hotspur’s most important player after Harry Kane. The Danish international has been a massive part of Mauricio Pochettino’s successful reign at Spurs, and his departure would be a gutting blow indeed.
Let’s take a look at which of these midfielders would be a good fit at Spurs:
Hakim Ziyech
This Moroccan international winger could turn out to be an excellent fit for Mauricio Pochettino’s attacking system at Tottenham, considering that he is used to playing in a free-flowing structure at Ajax. His movement in the final third does mimic that of Eriksen to a certain extent, but he offers a different sort of skill-set to the Danish technician.
Bruno Fernandes
Unquestionably a much more physically capable midfielder than Eriksen, this Portuguese star has been one of Sporting’s most sought-after players. His ability on the ball make him a good target for Premier League sides, but the fact that he tends to be slightly inconsistent could put Pochettino off his trail.
Lorenzo Pellegrini
AS Roma’s young Italian international attacker is another option that is said to be on Pochettino’s summer wish-list. His physicality and ball-carrying skills are matched by few in the Serie A. He is an integral part of the AS Roma midfield setup, and he dribbles past players like they’re not even there. His passing range is brilliant too, potentially making him the best option of the lot.
Brais Mendez
This Spanish international is a tall and strong midfielder who has an unbelievable passing ability under his belt. Although he is not exactly in the same mould as Eriksen, their attributes are similar to a certain extent, and the Spaniard also has a knack of popping up with long-range screamers every now and then.
