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Christian Eriksen of Ajax in action during the Eredivisie match between Ajax Amsterdam and SC Heerenveen at Amsterdam Arena on April 19, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Over the past few decades, Ajax have produced quite a few talented players. In the past 7-8 years, Christian Eriksen has arguably been the best to come out of the famed academy named ‘Jong Ajax’.
Not many of us know that he did not start out at the Amsterdam based academy. He began his youth career playing for home town club Middelfart G & BK, from whom he joined Odense Boldklub, where he eventually gained prominence as a 16 year old.
He had trials with Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United, Milan, and Real Madrid but opted to join the Dutch giants as he thought moving to the aforementioned clubs would be a step too big in his career at that point of time. And what a great decision it has turned out to be. He progressed through the youth sides and finally made his league debut in January 2010.
After 3 solid seasons with Ajax, he is now being linked with a move away from the Dutch league. Clubs from top leagues have registered an interest in Eriksen, but only a few have actually made a move in an attempt to sign him. He has already rejected a move to Bayer Leverkusen, holding out for a move to a bigger club.
Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Tottenham and AC Milan have all been linked with the Danish playmaker. But no official bid has come in so far. So which club would suit him the most?
Liverpool -The Reds have been linked with Eriksen consistently, but so far no official bid has been made. Would Eriksen fit in at Liverpool? Most definitely. Eriksen is usually comfortable playing behind the striker in a ‘Number 10’ role. He could strike up a powerful partnership alongside the likes of Dan Sturridge, Coutinho, Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas and Suarez, if the Uruguayan decides to stay put at Anfield.
The prospect of being able to re-unite with former Ajax team-mate Suarez would be quite appealing to the youngster. However, he wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting XI spot, which would obviously make the Dane scratch his head a little.
Likeliness of joining– 6.5/10
Borussia Dortmund - After the departure of Mario Gotze to Bayern Munich, Dortmund were keen on bringing Eriksen to the Westfalenstadion as a replacement for the German star, but their interest has cooled since they signed Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Eriksen would definitely fit in at Dortmund without a doubt, as they have always played a 4-4-1-1 formation, which suits Eriksen’s style of play. Although, the move now seems unlikely as Dortmund have already strengthened their ranks with the signings of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the above mentioned Mkhitaryan.
Likeliness of joining – 5.5/10
Tottenham – The North London club have been linked with the Dane as they clearly need some fire – power in midfield. If Bale decides to leave, it leaves a massive hole in Spurs’s midfield and Daniel Levy would be keen on bringing him in for a decent fee. Also, if we consider the probable signing of Roberto Soldado from Valencia, Eriksen could form a dynamic partnership with the Spaniard, with Eriksen being the creator and Soldado playing the role of a finisher. Seems like a good move for both parties involved.
Likeliness – 7.5/10
AC Milan – The Rossoneri have also been linked with a move for Eriksen. The club, who are clearly lacking some top players at the moment following the departures of star players over the past few years, would be keen on adding him to their ranks. He would fit into the system for sure, playing either behind the striker or in central midfield alongside a defensive midfielder, which would give Eriksen the freedom to surge forward. With AC Milan also going through a tough financial period, the signing of Eriksen would make sense, as he is available only for around €18 million, which can be considered a coup, given the player’s exceptional talent and potential.
Likeliness – 7/10
Wherever Eriksen moves to, it is certain that he will be a success. Staying at Ajax is not an option, as he has out-grown the Eredivisie and staying will only hamper his development as a top-class midfielder.
Clubs should look to pounce on him soon as he is available only for a paltry afore-mentioned amount of around €18 million, as he has only 1 year left on his contract. Here’s hoping the Dane turns out to be a great success in one of the top European leagues.
