This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Life without Christian Eriksen would have seemed like a daunting prospect for Tottenham at one point in the recent past, but there have been signs recently that it may not be such a loss.
The 27-year-old has been on a slow decline for much of 2019, and he is now a far cry from the player of 2017/18, when he scored 14 goals and assisted 13 in all competitions.
This term he has a combined total of just two goals and assists – as well as picking up a 2/10 rating from Football London for his display against Brighton – and with his mind seemingly elsewhere amid speculation about his future, Mauricio Pochettino may begin to prepare for life without him
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Eriksen was left on the bench in Spurs’ 5-0 win against Red Star Belgrade, and although he was still recovering from a dead leg, there is a chance that he won’t be selected against Liverpool even if he is deemed fit enough to play.
Erik Lamela’s impressive display eased any worries that Pochettino’s side may lack creativity, with the Argentine assisting two and making three key passes, whilst Harry Kane has also earned praise for his creativity and passing.
As well as the winger, Spurs also have Son Heung-min scoring regularly, Lucas Moura on the bench and the returning Ryan Sessegnon and Giovani Lo Celso – the latter a midfielder who fans are looking forward to seeing after he bagged 16 goals for Real Betis last year.
As a result, Eriksen could be in danger of losing his place in the matchday squad, and although such a move would be a bold call from Pochettino, it is a strategy which could hugely benefit the club in the long-term, with Six Alex Ferguson once suggesting a policy of getting rid of disillusioned players served him well.
Since the Denmark international looks set to leave at some point, with no sign that he will renew his contract, Pochettino is better off giving game time to players who want to be at the club.
Those players showed they can perform with their showing against Red Star, and with a bit of consistency in the starting line-up they could begin to build both cohesion and confidence, with Dele Alli also indicating that he could return to his best with a fine performance against Watford.
Should that happen, Spurs may begin to turn their fortunes around, and therefore Christian Eriksen could soon become a distant memory, which would certainly please some supporters.