Tottenham’s Inspiration In The Capital
One Cup

Personal information
Full name: Christian Dannemann Eriksen
Date of birth: 14 February 1992
Age: 23
Place of birth: Middelfart, Denmark
Height: 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Playing position: Attacking midfielder

Club information 
Current team: Tottenham Hotspur
Number: 23

Youth career 1995–2005: Middelfart G&BK 
2005–2008: OB 
2008–2010: Ajax

Senior career 2010–2013: Ajax 162 Appearances, 33 goals
2013– Tottenham Hotspur 67 Appearances, 21 goals

National team2007–2009 Denmark U17 27 Appearances, 9 goals 
2009 Denmark U18 5 Appearances, 1 goal
2009–2010 Denmark U19 3 Appearances, 1 goal 
2011 Denmark U21 3 Appearances, 1 goals 
2010– Denmark 49 Appearances, 5 goals

Christian Eriksen is
making a habit of being one of Tottenham’s saviours this season and he came up
trumps once again in the semi-final against Sheffield United to inspire his
side to Wembley. Just when Tottenham looked like they were wobbling after
Sheffield United’s stunning comeback Eriksen kept his cool and popped up with a
crucial second goal to end the home side’s brave resistance and secure a place
in the Capital One Cup final. This all coming after the Dane had already sent
Spurs on their way with a stunning opening goal. The arrowed free-kick that
smashed off the upright and into the top corner looks to be a contender for
goal of the season. It was ingenious. And it is certainly not the first time
that Eriksen has shown he is the man to rise to the occasion this season.

The former Ajax star has won more points with his goals than any other player
in the Premier League in 2014-15. Those 13 points have kept Tottenham in the
hunt for a Champions League spot and eased the pressure on manager Mauricio
Pochettino. His latest moment of last-gasp magic giving Spurs the chance to end
a seven-year trophy drought when they step out against Chelsea this weekend. The
classy playmaker arrived in the summer of 2013 as part of the £100 million
splurge following Gareth Bale’s departure to Real Madrid and, after a slow
start, he is now a difference-maker. To compare him to Bale would be unfair,
but like the Welshman he is beginning to show he is now Spurs’ primary
talisman. The Danish playmaker enjoyed a fine first season after joining Tottenham
from Ajax in August 2013. Erikson scored 10 goals in 36 appearances and swept
the board in terms of the end-of-season awards – claiming the Supporters Club
and One Hotspur Members Player of the Season double. He was also voted the Danish
PFA’s Player of the Year 2013.

Christian
moved to Ajax in 2008 from Odense in his homeland and played a total of 162
games for the Eredivisie club scoring 33 times. The attacking midfielder,
capped 37 times by Denmark, enjoyed great success during his time in Amsterdam,
winning three consecutive Dutch league championships between 2011 and 2013, as
well as being named Dutch Football Talent of the Year and Ajax Talent of the
Year in 2011. He was also voted Danish Football Player of the Year that same
year.

The 23-year-old
claimed eight assists last season and popped up with seven goals to help him
earn the club’s Player of the Year prize. It might be a stretch to say he’ll
challenge the likes of Diego Costa, Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas for the
PFA gong but he’s certainly becoming part of the conversation. The Denmark
international is now into double figures for the season already with his
two-goal salvo at Bramall Lane and if he continues to provide that threat from
attacking areas, plenty more will follow. There has never been any doubting
Eriksen’s talent but he is now adding an end product to his game. He is
deciding matches rather than drifting through them. There were fears at the
start of this season over whether the playmaker could perform for such a
demanding task-master in Pochettino and while Erik Lamela appeared to be
Spurs’s big hope this season, its Eriksen, along with the outstanding
contributions of Harry Kane, who is carrying the fight. Despite all his flair
and trickery, Eriksen has added to his game under Pochettino. He is showing
that he can work for the team and put in a shift, rather than just float around
waiting to be involved higher up the pitch.

Albeit, not vocally; Eriksen’s becoming a leader with his contributions. Just
when the tie seemed to be tipping back in Sheffield United’s favour, Tottenham
needed some inspiration. Eriksen stepped up and duly delivered. He’s the man
that’s booked their golden Wembley ticket. Chelsea will have something to say
about that come this weekend, with match-winners littered all over the pitch
but in Eriksen Spurs have a player who is more than capable of having the final
word.