Pochettino: This is what Tottenham 24-year-old must do to reach the top
By Matt Farr
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes Christian Eriksen must be more consistent if he is to reach the top level.
Eriksen played a starring role in the midweek victory over Hull, scoring twice to take his tally to seven goals and four assists from 22 games in all competitions, and was part of the side that beat Burnley 2-1 on Sunday.
In just his last five games, he has five goals and two assists, also bagging a brace in the 5-0 victory over Swansea on December 3.
However, after a slow start to the season, during which Eriksen failed to score in 11 appearances, Pochettino has called for the 24-year-old to dominate games more often.
The 2014-15 campaign was Eriksen most productive in a Spurs shirt to date, where he netted 12 goals in all competitions, and he will be hoping to emulate that return this term.
The former Southampton boss told ESPN: “He is an elite player. It’s true that he is young and can improve, but I think he is a very good player.
“Does he dominate games enough? That is a challenge for him. Maybe we need to go further and try to assess his personality, character, his position on the pitch, his quality.
“For me his a player who has a good opportunity from and now and into the future. He is a player that will improve a lot.
“He will get more maturity in the game and realise which aspects he needs to improve to be a top, top, top player.”
Traditionally an attacking-midfielder, the Denmark international is often deployed for club and country in a central attacking role, where he excels.
However, Pochettino experimented with Eriksen in a deeper role against Hull, and he excelled. He could reprise that new role when Tottenham take on Burnley on Sunday.
His versatility provides Pochettino with even more options, particularly during a busy festive period when fatigue becomes an issue.
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