[ad_pod ]
Tottenham Hotspur are surely set to sell Christian Eriksen this summer.
The Denmark international has outlined his intention to leave the club in this transfer window and it could well be a blessing in disguise for Spurs.
Indeed, they have been linked with a number of top midfield players since the opening of the window, including Real Betis’ Giovani Lo Celso and Lyon’s Tanguy Ndombele, while PSG’s Julian Draxler is now being touted as a target.
However, Spurs’ might well have their ideal replacement already in-house: Dele Alli.
The attacking midfielder has struggled somewhat this season, enduring a major dip in form, scoring seven goals and laying on eight assists.
Injuries, of course, have played a key part but there is also the fact that Eriksen is regarded as the club’s creator-in-chief.
Without the Denmark international, Alli will be able to play as a pure No.10, almost as a shadow striker, and that is where he thrives.
In 2016/17, when he played mainly behind the striker, he scored 22 goals throughout the campaign, while also laying on 13 assists, and followed that the season after by netting 14 and laying on 17.
This is an excellent midfielder but with Eriksen’s influence, he has been pushed aside and treated as a sideshow when, in actuality, Alli possesses the talent to be the main man.
Without the Dane, and with Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko behind him, Alli will surely be given the freedom to roam the latter half of the pitch in search of that killer final ball or, perhaps, that shot at goal.
When one really examines it thoroughly, it is hard to see how Eriksen actually fits in under Pochettino; he is not a winger despite being routinely played as one and nor is he a second striker, as Alli is, though it is often the Englishman who is sacrificed to make way for his talents.
Him leaving would solve a number of headaches, then.
Of course, there is the temptation for all the money received to be splurged on new additions this summer but handing Alli responsibility will be no bad thing.
He thrives in big games – he has scored more goals against Chelsea than any other club – and has the maturity to have a major influence if he is given the backing to succeed.
For that to happen, Eriksen has to leave.