Christian Eriksen was heavily criticised by some supporters after Tottenham lost to Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash. Eriksen has struggled for consistency this season, has been guilty of wilting in the big games and has been accused of losing focus due to his contract situation.
The Spurs playmaker has scored (9) and created (17) 26 goals in 47 games in all competitions in 2018/19 and has made 71 chances in 33 Premier League outings. Eriksen is regarded as one of the best midfielders in England, but his performances in big games don’t back up that suggestion and fans are losing patience with him.
https://twitter.com/Mr_Dan_Timbrell/status/1123333835993829376
Moura, Alli and Eriksen very poor tonight. Supposedly world-class players showing no real passion and just bystanders! #TOTAJA #THFC @SpursOfficial
— Paul Ireland (@PIrelandIIAPS) April 30, 2019
Having said that, Eriksen and Dele were utter garbage tonight… #UCL #TOTAJA #THFC #COYS
— Kevin Stewart (@KevJStewart) April 30, 2019
Eriksen, Ali & Moura all absolutely garbage tonight.
— JM (@lfcjaack) April 30, 2019
Completely agree with the gilet-wearing one tonight. Both Dele & Eriksen just not involved enough. The stage does not get much bigger than a #UCL semi final 😔 #COYS #THFC https://t.co/QRbJ8WJpGB
— Mistadobalina (@robprestwood) April 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/AdamMossy/status/1123343118672248837
Dele and Eriksen need to also put in big performances to have any chance. Both dreadful tonight. Full back quality is alarming also. #thfc
— Sean (@Tottingham_Sean) April 30, 2019
Against Ajax, the 27-year-old played a full 90 minutes, made 62 touches, created two chances, made 45 passes with 67% accuracy, one tackle, two interceptions, two successful dribbles and drew one foul. Eriksen failed to register a shot on target, failed to find a teammate with a cross and failed to win an aerial duel.
With Tottenham suffering from a dearth of midfielders and forwards, Mauricio Pochettino has no choice but to keep playing Eriksen in the hope that he’ll turn his form around. That wasn’t the case against Ajax, however, but Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth presents him with another opportunity.