Player Profile: Christian Eriksen

25th May 2024; Wembley Stadium, London, England; FA Cup Final Football, Manchester City versus Manchester United; Christian Eriksen of Manchester United celebrates with the FA Cup trophy in front of the Man Utd fans. Credit: John Patrick Fletcher / Action Plus

Player Profile: Christian Eriksen

Full Name: Christian Dannemann Eriksen

Age: 32 (as of 2024)

Current Club: Manchester United

Position: Attacking Midfielder

National Team: Denmark

Characteristics

Strengths

  • Vision and Creativity: Eriksen is known for his exceptional playmaking abilities. His vision on the field allows him to spot and execute key passes that can break down defenses.
  • Set-Piece Specialist: He is highly proficient with free-kicks and corners, often creating scoring opportunities either directly from set-pieces or through well-placed deliveries.
  • Technical Ability: His first touch, dribbling skills, and close control make him a difficult player to dispossess and a constant threat in the attacking third.
  • Work Rate: Eriksen covers a lot of ground during matches, contributing both to the offensive build-up and the team’s defensive efforts when needed.

Weaknesses

  • Physicality: Eriksen is not the most physically imposing player, which can sometimes make it difficult for him to win physical duels against stronger opponents.
  • Consistency: While capable of world-class performances, Eriksen can occasionally be inconsistent, with some matches where he has a less visible impact on the game.

Style of Play

Eriksen plays as a classic No. 10, often positioned just behind the striker. His style is characterized by his ability to find pockets of space between the lines of defense and midfield. He excels in creating goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates through incisive passes. His strategic positioning allows him to be a conduit for advancing the ball up the pitch. His ability to take on long shots from outside the box also adds an extra dimension to his attacking repertoire.

Performance

During the 2023–2024 season, Eriksen was a key figure for Manchester United’s midfield. His vision and passing ability were crucial in unlocking opposition defenses, while his skill in set pieces provided several goal-scoring chances for the team. He contributed both in terms of assists and occasional crucial goals. On the defensive end, he was active in pressing and helped in recovering possession high up the pitch.

National Team Contributions

Eriksen is a pivotal player for the Danish national team, often serving as their primary playmaker. He played a crucial role in Denmark’s qualifying campaigns and major international tournaments, providing experience and creativity in midfield. His leadership on and off the pitch has been influential in Denmark’s recent successes.

Contract Status

  • Current Contract Ends: 2025
  • Contract Details: Eriksen’s contract with Manchester United runs until 2025, ensuring that he remains a key component of the club’s midfield for the near future.

Performance During 2023–2024 Season

Christian Eriksen had an influential 2023–2024 season with Manchester United. He consistently demonstrated his playmaking prowess by leading the team in assists and creating numerous scoring opportunities. His ability to control the tempo of the game and deliver pinpoint passes was instrumental in United’s attacking play. Despite facing stiff competition in midfield, Eriksen maintained a high level of performance throughout the season, contributing to crucial wins in both the Premier League and European competitions. His experience and technical skills continued to make him an indispensable player for the team’s aspirations.