THE ONE WHO BATTLES

Michael Nardi

Christian Eriksen is the definition of a warrior, a player who battles even in the toughest of moments. After the horrific incident at Euro 2020 against Finland, it seemed that Eriksen would never have an opportunity at getting back to his best level. Eriksen was then fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator which helps to ensure his safety on the pitch, allowing him to make a return to football sooner than expected.

In less than one year after the incident, he was back on the pitch with a new club this time; signing for Brentford on a free transfer after his spell at Inter Milan. It was a chance for Eriksen to show his resilience and get back to his best in a league that he was on top of for years.

Eriksen finished with a goal and four assists in 11 games for the Bees near the end of the campaign, guiding them to 13th in their first season back in England’s top flight since 1947. Eriksen gave Brentford a different level of quality, he’s a player that you have to watch to appreciate his brilliance. He lifted a side full of previous Championship players to impressive results including wins against their London rivals Chelsea and West Ham.

After his incredible stint with Brentford, Erik Ten Hag signed him for Manchester United making him a focal point at the base of his midfield pivot. Playing as a 6 in the buildup but being able to excel in various roles in the midfield, a very flexible midfielder for Ten Hag’s style. With United, he receives the ball deep as a 6, but also gets into advanced positions as an 8, as shown by his heat map this season.

Eriksen has many different passing varieties in his game, he’s two-footed, and composed when under pressure - giving Manchester United everything they need in progressing the play between the lines.

Ten Hag has revolutionized Eriksen from previously being the main creator at Spurs, to now a deep-lying midfielder using his experience and technical quality to get his team out of trouble. Eriksen is back to his very best at United and he is an inspiration to all, it’s a comeback story that will never be forgotten.