Scouting Report: Ajax Playmaker Christian Eriksen

After an impressive season for Dutch champions Ajax, Christian Eriksen, 21, has reportedly attracted the attention of Premier League clubs Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City.  The young Dane scored 13 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions, and will no doubt be expected to achieve greater things this season.

In my view, Eriksen will only do that if he plays in a bigger league, where there are other world class footballers, like La Liga or the Premier League.  Ajax are a fantastic club, don't get me wrong, but I feel that the Dutch league is not competitive enough to help Eriksen reach his full potential.  These are the clubs that I think would help Eriksen to become a better player and likewise, clubs which Eriksen can help improve.

PSG

With a host of world-class players, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva, Eriksen would learn a huge amount about football, both mentally and physically, and would be able to challenge himself against some of the world’s best in an extremely competitive league.  PSG have a strong attack, but they lack class through the middle, and Eriksen could very easily challenge Javier Pastore for that spot.

Barcelona

With arguably the best attack in the world, you would think that Eriksen would not fit in with the holding La Liga champions.  However Xavi is already 33 and his legs won't be able to partner Iniesta forever, and Eriksen would be the perfect replacement, in my opinion.  Iniesta’s vision combined with Eriksen’s flair would make a formidable pairing.

Manchester United

After failing to sign many central based players, such as Juan Mata, Cesc Fabregas and Luka Modric, Moyes is still on the hunt for a partner for Michael Carrick.  Eriksen is much more attacking than Carrick, but that balance would give United a very strong midfield line up.  He would provide great support for Robin van Persie, as well as score goals himself.

Quotes

"He's a player I really like with all my heart. The talent is there, the recognition also; now it is up to the player himself. He is a typical product of the Danish school. You can compare him with Brian and Michael Laudrup. Only time will tell if Eriksen can reach the same level as them."          

                                                 Johan Cruyff on Eriksen in 2010. via ESPN website

Report:

Key Attributes: Flair, Vision, Passing

Weaknesses: Aerial Ability, Strength

Overall Rating: 7/10

Potential Rating: 9/10

Transfer Cost: £17-22 million

Where I think he should he go?:  Manchester United

Comments

[Tommy Red]

First of all, 13 goals in 46 games is not a particularly impressive figure considering he's playing for the best team in a weak league. His assists stats are pretty ordinary too, definitely not standout for an attacking midfielder. As for where he'd go... PSG? No. He wouldn't get into their team, and it's an even less competitive league than the Eredivisie anyway. The ove would not make sense for his career. only two good teams and even that is assuming Monaco resolve their tax issues. Barcelona? HA! Xavi's legs may be going, but they already have Fabregas to partner Iniesta, with Busquets in behind. Mascherano and Song are also naturally central midfielders, and they have a whole host of promising youngsters. Manchester United? Not what they're after, completely different type of player to Modric, Fabregas etc. He will end up at Liverpool, Arsenal or Ajax in my opinion. As for the valuation, £17-22m? Get out of town, he has under a year left on his contract, £15m absolute tops. The date under the quote says it all really. Anyone who has watched Eriksen play over the last couple of years knows that his progression has completely stagnated, how much of Ajax do you actually watch? None would be my guess.