Christian Eriksen has said he considers himself to be on the same level as former Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric ahead of Denmark’s Round of 16 meeting with Croatia at the World Cup.
Both Eriksen and Modric have played starring roles at the tournament so far. Eriksen scored a stunning goal in Denmark’s 1-1 draw with Australia, while Modric inspired Croatia to a memorable 3-0 victory over Argentina.
And now, the World Cup is set for an encounter between Spurs past and present as the duo go head to head in the first knockout stage.
Asked if he considers himself to be better than Modric, Eriksen told Danish newspaper BT: “I do not consider myself to be worse than him.”
The Dane has been one of Tottenham’s standout players over the last couple of seasons, and it is believed Spurs are keen to tie him down on a new contract to wade off interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Spurs are likely to keep hold of the players Mauricio Pochettino wants to retain this summer, although the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Mousa Dembele are expected to depart.
In fact, Ericksen is better than Luca Modric. Both have exceptional skills but Ericksen shows more now. Luca has slowed down somewhat.
No, Eriksen is not worse than Modric. They have both been brilliant midfielders for club and country. Modric plays a little deeper, so I’d have them both in the Spurs side, Modric as the playmaker with Eriksen (and Alli) just off the forwards … think Iniesta and Xavi in that great Barca team!! What a team we’d have if Modric, even at 34, came back to us. People talk about Bale’s return but I’m not sure he’d fit our system, as great as he is ..whereas Modric would slot straight into the narrower way Poch wants us to play. Talking of creative midfielders ..I just wish England had ONE player like that! It’s the only thing that worries me. Top heavy with defenders, defensive midfielders and attackers ..but no one (Alli is unique but different to a creative midfield type) able to pull the strings in midfield. Look at Kane’s goals! Not one was created by a deliberate incisive pass. Just Kane’s instinct, penalty prowess and one bit of luck got his 5 goals. It’s because (Alli apart) he is surrounded by ‘inferior’ forward types who simply want to score themselves, rather than look up and seek out the better option. We may get through to the semis but Spain’s incisive passing in the final third will probably kill us if we both get to that stage.