There was plenty of excitement surrounding Maddison’s arrival at Tottenham, given the impressive numbers he has delivered for a struggling Leicester City side over the last two seasons.

However, the 26-year-old is turning out to be an even better signing than many thought at the time, having seemingly taken his game to a new level in Ange Postecoglou’s system. 

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 02: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with teammate James Maddison after scoring the team’s fourth goal during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Turf Moor on September 02, 2023 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The attacking midfielder has four goal contributions in the first four Premier League matches and has been at the heart of most of the eye-catching moves that Tottenham have put together so far.

What is even more exciting for Spurs fans is that Maddison appears to be getting better with each game that he plays as he gains a better understand of the characteristics of his teammates.

James Maddison is now better than prime Eriksen

Ambrose believes that the England international is already better than Eriksen was during Mauricio Pochettio’s time in North London.

The former Crystal Palace midfielder told talkSPORT: “What he’s producing, I think he’s one of three players since the start of last season that’s had 10 goals and 10 assists, Saka and Salah I think are the other two. So that’s the kind of player that Spurs have.

“And they’ve been crying out for a player like this since Christian Eriksen left. I’m putting it out there, he’s probably a better player than Christian Eriksen was for Spurs already. And that’s a big compliment because I loved him as a player at Tottenham. But he’s sensational.”

Spurs Web Opinion

While I would argue that Eriksen was still a better technician than Maddison and had superior vision, the 26-year-old is a better athlete than the Dane and is also far more press-resistant, which has come as a surprise to me. The former Leicester man also seems to be better than Eriksen at going past a player, owing to his quick feet.

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The former Leicester midfielder signed on the dotted line with Spurs this week, following in Eriksen’s footsteps as an exciting, new creative force in the midfield.

Lars Ronbog / FrontZoneSport via Getty Images

During his time in North London, Eriksen played 305 games for Tottenham, scoring 69 goals and assisting 90 times in all competitions (TransferMarkt).

Maddison has posted a similarly impressive set of numbers in the Premier League for Leicester over the years, with 55 goals and 41 assists in 203 games (TransferMarkt).

It remains to be seen what number Maddison is given at his new club, but if Pedro Porro takes the number 2 shirt, Eriksen’s old 23 may become vacant ahead of the new season.

Maddison was a big fan of Eriksen at Tottenham

Maddison even referenced the number in his first interview with Spurs this week.

He said (Tottenham Official – as relayed by Football London): “I always watch football and talk football. I’m a football man.

“Christian [Eriksen] was one of my favourite players growing up, when I was in the lower leagues especially when he was in hot form at Tottenham. That iconic number 23, Eriksen.

“He was just someone who would produce quality moments at this football club and to swap shirts with a player like that ilk was something very special to me.

“Hopefully I can bring that enthusiasm and that football love to this club and hopefully that will translate into good stuff on the pitch.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

I would love to see Maddison take the 23 shirt just so we can recycle the old Eriksen chant. Maddison’s name even fits perfectly! I would assume his number will either be that 23 or perhaps the number 11 if it is vacated by Bryan Gil.

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Eriksen made an instant impression when he made the switch to White Hart Lane from Ajax in 2012 but the Lilywhites struggled to click as a side in his first couple of seasons in North London.

Lars Ronbog / FrontZoneSport via Getty Images

That changed when Mauricio Pochettino arrived in 2014, with the Dane being an important part of the Argentine’s revolution at the club, which saw Tottenham challenge for a couple of Premier League titles and finish runners-up in the Champions League.

Eriksen admitted that the intensity of the game in England came as a shock to him when he made the switch to Spurs.

He also opened up about the experiences of working with Pochettino for five and a half years.

Ahead of Manchester United’s trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the midfielder told the Red Devils’ official website: “I don’t know if I was a bargain. It was different. Just like going into a ping-pong machine, like a basketball game, continuously up and down.

“The intensity. Technically, I wasn’t surprised. I train and see players’ quality be the same as in Holland, technically. But you go into a game and wow, the intensity is completely different.

“If you lose the ball, it ends up there. If you lose it there, it ends up there. One rhythm, just up and down. It was a bit of a shock to get used to in the beginning.

“Under Andre Villa-Boas, I was in and out of the team at the time. I think also the club and the team was on and off.

“Against the top six, we lost a lot of games but, apart from that, we did okay. Then he left and Tim Sherwood took over at the end of that season and then Poch [Mauricio Pochettino] came in.

“I think, obviously, I had Poch for a lot longer than the other managers and I think what we did and what we created with him, the team we had was incredible.

“So, learning-wise, I did learn from Poch. You’d have the ball less in training than before but have the ball a lot more in the games.

“With him, there was a lot of tough training, a lot of running, which is important for the physical part. We were a young side so, for us, it was the perfect mix and, just in the game, to play free.”

Although Eriksen was mooted as a target for the likes of United during his time at Tottenham, the midfielder insisted that he never considered playing for another Premier League club at the time.

“I think I really enjoyed my time there. We did have a very, very good team. And, every time, I’d be like no, I’m not going to leave for another team in the Premier League.

“I felt good at Spurs. You could see the opportunities for the future. Yeah, speaking [about it] is one thing but going for it is something else.

“I couldn’t see myself [elsewhere in England] so it was also why, when I left Spurs, I didn’t have the mindset of staying in the Premier League, when I wanted to leave.

“I didn’t plan on coming back but then, two years later, I was back and you never know what is going to happen in football.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I was glad to see that Spurs fans did not boo when Eriksen’s name was read out at the stadium on Thursday.

The 31-year-old was a good servant to the club and left amicably, making no secret of his desire to experience a different footballing culture.

Even if he goes on to win a couple of more trophies at Man Utd, I suspect he will always look back more fondly at his time in North London when he hands up his boots.

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Things were seemingly on the verge of going from bad to worse for Tottenham at the end of the first half, with Man Utd 2-0 up at the interval.

(Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

It would have been easy for the home side to crumble, given that they are coming off a morale-sapping 6-1 thumping at St James’ Park on Sunday, plus all that has gone on off the field since.

However, Spurs rallied in the second half and took the game to the visitors, deservedly levelling the contest with goals from Pedro Porro and Son Heung-min.

It was not the result Eriksen would have been hoping for on his return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, given the position Man Utd found themselves in at half-time.

The Dane admitted that Porro’s strike a little over ten minutes into the second half gave his former side the belief they needed to come back.

The 31-year-old told BT Sport 1 (27/4/23 – 22:30) about the 2-2 draw: “Yeah I think we missed the last percentage of really taking the game and finishing it off.

“I think we took a bit of the gas off and that was our problem. I think it’s been that for a few games where we are sharp and coming ahead and [haven’t] kept it going. I think we lost a bit of energy, a bit of control and they got belief and it went the other way.

“That’s how it goes normally. When you are 2-0 down anything can change quickly. We didn’t have the control to finish them off and don’t give them the chance to score the first goal, that gave belief.”

Spurs Web Opinion

We did not deserve to be 2-0 down at half-time and the players showed tremendous character to fight back in the manner that they did.

However, this result does not really do much for our top four hopes as we realistically needed all three points to keep our chances alive.

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Son was Tottenham’s top goalscorer last season, registering 24 goals in all competitions (Transfermarkt). He scored 23 of those goals in the Premier League to claim the Golden Boot award, sharing the accolade with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.

However, this season has seen Son struggle to replicate that form, appearing reluctant to take players on and being frustrated in front of goal time and time again. The 30-year-old has just nine goals to his name so far this term (Transfermarkt) and has looked a shadow of his former self at times.

It has been this poor form that has seen many fans calling for Son to be dropped in favour of Richarlison.  Some were granted their wish last weekend when the South Korean started the match on the bench before coming on to seal all three points by scoring the second goal of the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to help lift the club back into the top four..

Speaking to Football.London, Stellini explained this decision, and by the sounds of it, it may have been down to fitness rather than an indictment of Son’s recent form.

He said: “It was about conditioning. Sonny had a problem that he’s had for a bit of time. Sometimes players need time to recover. We have a busy period coming up and we need everyone 100%.”

(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Spurs Web Opinion

There’s no doubt that playing as often as Son does, he will have needed a rest and especially so from a mental perspective with his confidence not at the levels which we all are used to.

It also came at the perfect time that Spurs were able to sit him out and use him as a sub, and especially a sub who is eager to prove his doubters wrong. I think Son should stay on the bench for the next game or two, and fight for his place alongside Richarlison.

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Eriksen spent six and a half years at Spurs before leaving in January 2020 to join Inter Milan and he was heavily linked with a return to the North London club this summer after his contract with Brentford ran out.

Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images

ESPN even suggested back in June that the Lilywhites were the favourites to snap up the attacking midfielder but it was Manchester United who ended up winning the race for him.

David Ornstein explained on The Athletic’s YouTube channel (starting at 7:20) back in July that the contract length and salary Eriksen demanded did not match what Spurs had in mind, which is why Antonio Conte’s men pulled the plug on the deal.

Tottenham might regret having not pushed ahead with a move for the Denmark international, who has been excellent for Erik Ten Hag’s men in the first part of the campaign.

Sherwood has now named Eriksen in his team of the season so far and lavished praise on the former Spurs man’s character.

The former Tottenham interim head coach told talkSPORT: “Christian Eriksen, I am putting in there. Everyone was questioning his big move. He went to Inter and hardly played. We know he had health problems. 

“Then he goes to Man United, one of the biggest clubs in the world, and he just stands up. I knew he would because I know the character of the boy. He’s just a great example of how you need to conduct yourself. 

“If you want to learn off anyone. Garnacho, that young boy who is going to be a sensation, he needs to go and sit next to Christian Eriksen and learn how to be a professional footballer. 

“You will never get a better example. Harry (Kane) learnt off Christian. I am sure that boy will pick the right person in the dressing room to learn off.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I was desperate for Spurs to re-sign Eriksen but the move to Manchester United has worked out well for him. I do not think the Dane would have played as regularly at Tottenham as he has at Old Trafford since he does not fit naturally into Conte’s preferred 3-4-3 system. 

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The Dane joined Spurs way back in the summer of 2013 and became something of a modern legend at the club, making 305 appearances and contributing 69 goals and 90 assists during his time in North London (Transfermarkt).

Lars Ronbog / FrontZoneSport via Getty Images

He was ultimately sold to Inter Milan in January 2020. Eriksen’s career appeared to be over when he collapsed on the pitch during Denmark’s Euro 2020 game with Finland last summer, and he was released by Inter shortly after.

Eriksen made a miraculous recovery, though, and returned to the Premier League with Brentford for the second half of last season, where he impressed with four assists and one goal in 11 games (Transfermarkt).

The 30-year-old has since joined Manchester United on a free transfer, but it’s a move he could have made years ago if he had not felt so strongly about leaving Spurs for a league rival.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Eriksen explained how he was offered the chance to join Manchester United but refused.

He said: “When I was at Spurs, there were talks (with Manchester United). But in the end, it didn’t work out. At the time, I didn’t want to go.”

Things change, though, clearly. Eriksen added; “But, this time, I had a chance. Of course, I wanted to go. And, luckily, they wanted to (sign me) as well. When you say Manchester United, it’s different. The vibe is different.

“It’s about how big it is, how many people follow it, and how much media attention there is. It’s bigger compared to the club’s I’ve been at before.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The fact we are lacking a playmaker option in the Spurs squad right now really does make me wonder why we didn’t snap Christian Eriksen up on a free this summer. He’s clearly still got all the talent we remember, but I suppose his fitness was a concern for Antonio Conte, a manager who likes to put his players through their paces on the pitch.

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It was reported back in the summer that Spurs were one of the favourites to re-sign Eriksen on a free transfer after his contract with Brentford ran out (ESPN).

However, the fairytale return to North London did not materialise for the 30-year-old, who ended up linking up with Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United instead.

David Ornstein explained on The Athletic’s YouTube channel (starting at 7:20) back in July that the contract length and salary Eriksen demanded did not match what Spurs had in mind, which is why the Lilywhites pulled the plug on the deal.

When asked about Tottenham’s pursuit of the midfielder in his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s clash against Man Utd, Conte chose to keep his cards close to his chest.

The Spurs boss stated that he enjoyed working with the Dane at Inter Milan and wished him the best at Old Trafford (Football London).

Eriksen came off the bench for the final few minutes of the Red Devils’ 2-0 win over Tottenham on Wednesday, and here is what Conte wrote about the former Spurs man on his Instagram stories after the game.

Conte on Instagram pic.twitter.com/e6Uxny5G66

— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) October 21, 2022

Spurs Web Opinion

Some things are more important than football and I, like Conte, am over the moon to see Eriksen doing so well at Man Utd after the scare he went through during the European Championship last year. It is clear that Conte has a lot of love and respect for the Dane.

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Eriksen joined Spurs in the summer of 2013 and made 305 appearances for the club, scoring 69 goals and providing 90 assists, before leaving for Inter in January 2020 (Transfermarkt).

The playmaker’s time in Italy was cut short after he collapsed on the pitch during Denmark’s Euro 2020 game with Finland. Diagnosed with a heart condition, Eriksen was released by Inter while he recovered.

And recover he did. Eriksen joined Premier League side Brentford last season, scoring one goal and contributing four assists in 11 games for the Bees (Transfermarkt).

The 30-year-old decided to join Manchester United this summer, after interest from Spurs (ESPN) failed to materialise. According to David Ornstein for The Athletic, the salary and contract length Eriksen wanted didn’t fit with Tottenham’s plans.

Now, as Eriksen’s new team prepare to face his old club, it looks like the Danish midfielder could potentially miss the big reunion due to an illness, although there is still a chance he can return.

According to The Express, Eriksen “was taken ill, but there will be hope that he’s fit and firing again in time to face his former club on Wednesday.”

The Express also name Anthony Martial, Harry Maguire, Donny Van de Beek, Brandon Williams, Axel Tuanzebe, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka as potential absentees for Man United.

After United’s latest training session, Manchester Evening News reported: “There was no sign of midfielder Christian Eriksen, casting doubt over his availability for the clash with Spurs.”

“The summer signing was absent for the first time this season against Newcastle, being ruled out through illness,” the report added.

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag said: “I can’t tell [if he will face Spurs]. In our team, he really contributes to what we are at this moment. I don’t know if he will be available for Wednesday but I hope, of course.”

Spurs Web Opinion

While it’s always nice to see Christian Eriksen on the football pitch, it wouldn’t be the worst thing for Spurs to see him out of action for the upcoming clash. We all know how dangerous Eriksen can be, and how much United rely on his creativity, so if he doesn’t play it will limit United’s chances of breaking down this resolute Spurs defence.

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While the Spurs boss remained coy in the first half of his answer, simply stating that he did not want to discuss the details of players currently at other clubs, he seemed to leave a hint at the end of his statement.

Conte ended by saying ‘Christian was a player everyone wanted in their team’, perhaps implying that he was indeed interested in the idea of Eriksen returning to N17.

However, one thing is for sure, Eriksen will line up against his former club this week in the Premier League as Spurs travel to Old Trafford for a tough away match.

Tottenham come into the clash off the back of an impressive 2-0 win at home to Everton, while the Red Devils played out a rather eventful 0-0 draw with Newcastle.

When asked if he wanted Eriksen back at Spurs, Conte said (Football London): “Yeah, I don’t want to speak about players of other teams.

“For sure Christian is a player I enjoyed working with him and I would like to train him again, to have him in my squad but you know the transfer market is very difficult and he made a big choice to sign for United for three years of contract.

“For him, I wish him the best for his family, apart from the game against us and for the rest of the season to be the best on the pitch.

“Now is not the time to say but for sure Christian was a player everyone wanted in their team.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

This feels very much like a hint that Conte wanted Eriksen this summer as an option for a two-man midfield, three-man midfield, and even in the right-forward role. Perhaps the wages and signing bonuses were just out of Tottenham’s reach.

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Some pundits have raised concerns over Spurs’ lack of creativity in midfield, with Micah Richards even remarking following the Lilywhites’ win at the Amex Stadium on Saturday that they lack an Eriksen-like player in the middle of the park (BBC MOTD).

One man who has been mooted as a target for the North London club is Maddison, whose current deal at the King Power Stadium runs out in 2024 (Transfermarkt).

Tottenham have been backed to make an approach for the England international during the January transfer window by some journalists (Dean Jones – GiveMeSport), with the 25-year-old thought to be open to joining Antonio Conte’s side (Football Insider).

Brendan Rodgers admitted to The Daily Mail a few days ago that the Foxes are bracing themselves for offers for Maddison in January, and O’Rourke has now suggested that the Leicester star is just the player that Spurs need.

The journalist told GiveMeSport about Maddison: “His stats and numbers for Leicester this season have been superb as well. So, I think he could possibly go in and fill those boots of Christian Eriksen that Spurs have lacked since his departure.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Despite the numerous suggestions over recent weeks about Maddison being the man Spurs need, I am not convinced that the 25-year-old would be a good fit for Conte’s system. 

I do not see where the Leicester star will fit in even if Conte decides to shift to a 3-5-2 (which I don’t think will happen) purely because the Italian prefers three number sixes rather than a number eight. 

There is also a question mark about Maddison’s work off the ball, which I suspect will put Conte off from pursuing the England international.

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Earlier this summer reports indicated that Spurs were one of the favourites to sign Eriksen on a free transfer after his contract with Brentford ran out (ESPN).

However, the fairytale return to North London did not materialise for the 30-year-old, who ended up linking up with Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United instead.

David Ornstein explained on The Athletic’s YouTube channel (starting at 7:20) back in July that the contract length and salary Eriksen demanded did not match what Spurs had in mind, which is why the Lilywhites men pulled the plug on the deal.

Football Insider subsequently added in September that United offered the 30-year-old a three-year contract worth £200,000 per week and also a £12m signing-on fee, with Spurs allegedly not willing to match either amount.

Given how well Eriksen has done since his switch to Old Trafford, O’Rourke believes that Antonio Conte’s men will rue the fact that they missed out on him.

When asked about Spurs missing out on Eriksen, the journalist told GiveMeSport: “I’m sure there’s maybe a tinge of regret, especially when seeing how well Christian Eriksen has done at Manchester United, he’s been a real good signing and has brought a bit of authority and creativity to the midfield and he was on a free transfer, so it looks a great piece of business.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I believe that the reason Spurs were unwilling to pay the reported signing-on fee or wages that Eriksen demanded, was down to Conte likely only seeing him as a squad player rather than a regular starter.

The Dane does not naturally fit into Tottenham formation while Erik Ten Hag clearly saw him as a key piece to his puzzle at United.

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Wanyama arrived at Spurs from Southampton in the summer of 2016 and he hit the ground running at White Hart Lane.

He formed a formidable partnership in the middle of the park with Mousa Dembele as Spurs enjoyed their best season of the Premier League era in 2016/17, finishing second only to Antonio Conte’s Chelsea with 86 points.

However, injury problems prevented Wanyama from fulfilling his potential in North London and the Kenyan eventually departed the Lilywhites in March of 2020 to join MLS club CF Montreal, just two months on from Eriksen’s switch to Inter Milan.

The Dane has now spoken in glowing terms about the 31-year-old’s qualities, admitting that the hard work that Wanyama put in to protect Tottenham’s back four, allowed him to play with more freedom.

When asked to name the best African player he has played alongside, Eriksen told Premier League Productions (12/09/22 at 11:10 am): “The best African player? I would say (played) with, Victor Wanyama.

“First of all, he loves pasta. That was a big thing, I think, for him. 

“In regards to his playing style, he was the man always protecting the midfield. In my role, as the free role, it was him to protect and he did that very well. He was very good defensively and I loved playing alongside him.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

Were it not for his injury problems, Wanyama could have gone on to become a modern-day Spurs legend. The Kenyan was absolutely brilliant in his first season at the club but his constant knee troubles meant that he never managed to regain his best over the subsequent years, particularly given how reliant he was on his strength and athleticism.

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At one point earlier this summer reports indicated that Spurs were one of the favourites to snap up Eriksen on a free transfer after his contract with Brentford ran out (ESPN).

However, the fairytale return to North London did not materialise for the 30-year-old, who ended up linking up with Erik Ten Hag at Old Trafford.

David Ornstein explained on The Athletic’s YouTube channel (starting at 7:20) back in July that the contract length and salary Eriksen demanded did not match what Spurs had in mind, which is why Antonio Conte’s men pulled the plug on the deal.

Football Insider have now explained that United did not only give the former Spurs star a three-year contract worth £200,000-a-week and also handed him a £12m signing-on fee.

That means that the attacking midfielder will be earning £43m across the three years of his agreement.

The report adds that both Spurs and Brentford had made contract offers to Eriksen but neither club were willing to match what the Red Devils had offered the player.

Spurs Web Opinion

Even though there was no transfer fee involved, paying £43m for a player who is now 30 years of age, does seem excessive. 

The Dane would have likely only been a bit-part player at Spurs since Conte is not going to shift from a 3-4-3 to a 3-5-2, given the firepower we have upfront.

So, I believe Tottenham were right to step away from the deal, rather than making Eriksen our joint highest-paid player.

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At one point earlier this summer, reports indicated that Spurs were one of the favourites to snap up Eriksen on a free transfer after his contract with Brentford ran out (ESPN).

However, the fairytale return to North London did not materialise for the Dane, who ended up linking up with Erik Ten Hag at Old Trafford.

David Ornstein explained on The Athletic’s YouTube channel (starting at 7:20) last month that the contract length and salary Eriksen demanded did not match what Spurs had in mind, which is why Antonio Conte’s men pulled the plug on the deal.

The 30-year-old has now stated that a return to Spurs was never really on the cards this summer and that Man Utd showed concrete interest from the start.

He told The Daily Mail: “(Returning to Tottenham) was only talk, they never really came with anything so it wasn’t really a thing for me to go back to Tottenham at the time and Man United were very early on, very positive and I had good conversations.

“It was very positive from the first few phone calls already and the club felt like they wanted me, so it was on for a long time.”

Eriksen also revealed that he had conversations with the likes of Louis Van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer about joining United in the past when he was at Tottenham.

The midfielder said: “Even when I was at Spurs, I’ve spoken to every manager who’s been here at Man United to see what the situation was.

“But I was at Spurs at the time and I really couldn’t see myself playing in another English team at that time. I went abroad and went to Inter.

“So, it’s been on the books, well, not on the books but it’s been spoken about. For me, it wasn’t the right timing, it wasn’t there and I was at a place at Spurs for a long time and I wanted to try something abroad and I went to Inter and ended up having a lovely time.

“But then obviously something happened in the summer and that changed a bit the career path I had in mind, and then obviously to come back to Brentford, first of all, and then to be here is something I didn’t think could happen a year ago.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I think more than there being any interest from Conte, it was Spurs fans who kept pushing the idea of Eriksen returning to the club, even though there were not too many concrete reports to suggest we were not interested. 

I also wonder if the uncompromising fitness demands of Conte and his coaching staff during pre-season was part of the reason why Spurs were hesitant to move for Eriksen. 

Even though the Dane appears to have recovered completely, it might not have been particularly pleasant to watch him run 42 pitch lengths at Seoul and drop on the floor through exhaustion like some Spurs players did.

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Eriksen’s comeback since his horrific cardiac arrest during the European Championship last summer has been the best feel-good story in the game over the last 12 months.

As expected, there was plenty of interest in the Dane this summer on the back of his impressive showing at Brentford during the second half last season, with some reports alleging that Spurs were keen on bringing him back to North London (ESPN).

However, Tottenham eventually pulled out of the race for the 30-year-old, thus opening the door for the Red Devils to swoop for him.

David Ornstein explained last week on The Athletic’s YouTube channel (starting at 7:20), that the contract length and size Eriksen demanded did not match what Spurs had in mind, which is why Antonio Conte’s men pulled the plug on the deal.

Eriksen has now admitted in his first interview as a Man Utd player that he never thought he would be wearing the club’s shirt.

The former Spurs man told Manutd.com about the move: “It’s weird, I never thought it would actually happen, so to be here, like you say being a Man Utd player, it’s very special.

“I think from my career path before the incident in the Euros, the planning wasn’t to go back to the UK at all. 

“I was thinking my time to go to Manchester United was before! Obviously, then I was at Spurs, and then went to Italy, but now to sit here is definitely something that I didn’t expect, but I’m also very happy that I’m here. It feels good, it feels good to be here.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I was certainly not desperate for us to bring Eriksen back to the club this summer as he was never going to fit naturally into Conte’s 3-4-3 system. However, seeing him in a Utd shirt does feel quite weird as it is not something I ever thought would happen ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

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Earlier this summer, Spurs were reported to be one of the favourites to win the race for Eriksen’s signature (ESPN).

However, Tottenham subsequently distanced themselves from the 30-year-old, who was available on a free transfer after his contract with Bretford ran out (Football.London’s Alasdair Gold).

Eriksen has since completed a move to Manchester United and will link up with Erik Ten Hag at Old Trafford ahead of his first season in charge of the Red Devils.

In The Athletic’s YouTube channel (starting at 7:20), Ornstein explained that Spurs did make an enquiry about the Denmark international to scope out what he would have wanted to come back. 

However, the journalist stated that the contract length and size Eriksen demanded did not match what Spurs had in mind, which is why the North London club pulled the plug on the deal.

Ornstein and Jack Pitt-Brooke go on to say in the video that Antonio Conte wants to sign a attacking midfielder this summer and that Spurs have been long-term admirers of James Maddison.

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I do not think it would have just been Eriksen’s contract demands that put Spurs off. The Dane might have demanded regular game time, which is something that Conte likely would not have been able to promise since the 30-year-old does not naturally fit into the Italian’s preferred 3-4-3 system.

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Earlier this summer, Spurs were reported to be one of the favourites to win the race for Eriksen’s signature (ESPN).

However, over the past few weeks, it has emerged that the Lilywhites have seemingly pulled out of the race for Denmark international.

Football.London’s Alasdair Gold stated that Spurs are distancing themselves from the speculation linking them with the attacking midfielder.

This has been backed up by The Sun’s Tom Barclay, who has said that Antonio Conte is happy with the options he currently has in the middle of the park.

The race for the 30-year-old’s signature is now seemingly come down to Brentford and Manchester United, with both clubs said to have made offers to the former Spurs man (Sky Sports).

Bridge, who is a Spurs fan, revealed that he spoke to Eriksen about returning to Tottenham while he was hosting the Bees’ end-of-the-season awards, but the midfielder did not give him much hope.

The journalist told Chris Cowlin YouTube channel: “I think there was an offer there (from Spurs to Eriksen), but I don’t know how big of an interest there was. 

“I’ll let you in on something, I did a Q&A for the Brentford end-of-season player awards and one of the players was Eriksen. Off-camera I begged him to come to Tottenham and he said to me ‘look, you’re going to be disappointed’.”

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Despite all the speculation over Eriksen returning to Spurs, I was never convinced that the move would happen, simply because I do not see him fitting into Conte’s preferred 3-4-3 system. The Italian has shown no indication that he is going to switch to a 3-5-2 next season.

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It was initially reported that Tottenham were involved in a three-horse race for Eriksen’s signature along with Manchester United and Brentford (ESPN).

However, over the last week, multiple sources have revealed that Spurs have decided not to push ahead with a move for the Dane. 

Football.London’s Alasdair Gold stated that Spurs are distancing themselves from the speculation linking them with the attacking midfielder, while The Sun’s Tom Barclay has claimed Antonio Conte is happy with the options he currently has in the middle of the park.

Sky Sports then reported on Tuesday that the race for Eriksen’s signature has come down to Brentford and Manchester United, with both clubs said to have offered contracts to the former Spurs man.

Romano has now taken to social media to reveal that Eriksen has ‘many proposals’ on the table and is now ‘getting closer’ to deciding his next destination.

The journalist reiterated that Tottenham are focused on other targets at the moment.

Christian Eriksen’s decision on future club now finally getting closer. He’s gonna communicate with his agent in the next hours/days to make a final decision. #transfers

Many proposals on the table, while Brentford have still hope – Spurs, now focused on different targets.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 26, 2022

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While an attacking midfielder is not a priority for Tottenham this summer, I would be surprised if we have not signed one before the end of the window. 

The fact that Spurs have cooled their interest in Eriksen suggests that the club might have something else up their sleeve. I strongly suspect that Paratici will make a move for Weston McKennie late in the window.

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It was previously reported that Spurs were in a three-horse race for Eriksen’s signature along with Manchester United and Brentford (ESPN).

However, over the past week, multiple reports have indicated that the North Londoners are not expected to push ahead with a move for the Dane.

According to Football.London’ Alasdair Gold, those at Spurs are distancing themselves from the speculation linking them with the Dane, while The Sun’s Tom Barclay has claimed that Antonio Conte is happy with the options he currently has in the middle of the park.

Sky Sports reported on Thursday that with a return to Tottenham looking unlikely for the attacking midfielder, he is expected to make a choice between Man Utd and Brentford over the coming days.

However, Taylor believes that joining Spurs remains Eriksen’s number one priority this summer – even if the Lilywhites are not showing interest.

The journalist told GiveMeSport: “I think Eriksen may be forced to explore avenues outside of Tottenham, one of which is United. Obviously, they don’t have Champions League football.

“I believe Eriksen said it’s not essential for him, so that would appear to put United potentially in the driving seat for Eriksen if Tottenham do not back up their interest. I think Spurs are Eriksen’s priority.”

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With so many other reliable sources reporting that Spurs are not keen on Eriksen, it does not seem like a return to North London is on the cards for the Dane. Despite the lure of Manchester United, I would not be surprised if he committed his future to Brentford, given that the 30-year-old appears to be settled at the club.

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