The idea of Christian Eriksen returning to north London likely fills Tottenham Hotspur fans with glee.
That would be quickly replaced with dread if they heard he was actually coming back to join Arsenal. The Danish midfielder left Spurs for Inter Milan in January, and like many people he’s had an arduous 2020. Reports recently indicated that the Italian giants had placed Eriksen on the transfer list after Antonio Conte struggled to integrate him, and it has seen tentative suggestions he could be a target for Arsenal.
Eriksen’s versatility certainly makes him an interesting proposition for Mikel Arteta, and with that in mind we looked at how he might fit into the Gunners squad.
Attacking midfielder
Arsenal XI: Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Nicolas Pepe, Christian Eriksen, Willian, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
This role would allow Eriksen the greatest influence on proceedings. A talented creative midfielder, he could sit behind Aubameyang and look to create chances for him in behind the opposition defence.
This role would also allow Eriksen to drift wide and link up with the wingers and full-backs looking to overlap, with Eriksen always eager to exploit opportunities in the half-space. A player that is also capable from distance, Eriksen could be part number 10, part shadow striker, behind Aubameyang.
Left wing
Arsenal XI: Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Nicolas Pepe, Willian, Christian Eriksen, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Although capable of using both feet, Eriksen trends towards being more right-footed. At Spurs this saw him put out onto the left-wing with a view to drifting inside. The benefit here is that it allows him to link up with the number 10 in a central position, while also opening up space for Tierney to bomb down the left-hand side to support the attack.
Eriksen is unlikely to operate as a traditional winger, contributing to things defensively, but the ability to create chances in the half-space is something that will appeal to him. It’s also possible that he can drop deep and take the ball off the defence before trying to create from deep.
Central midfield
Arsenal XI: Bernd Leno, Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney, Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey, Christian Eriksen, Willian, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette.
The Dane has played central midfield at different points during his career, but most often as part of a midfield three. This system would be a departure from that, and the main question mark would involve Eriksen handling defensive responsibilities. It might seem like a risk, but if Eriksen was more focused on shutting off passing lanes and pressing rather than traditional tackling he could form a nice partnership alongside Partey.
The fact he could pass through the lines from deep would be an advantage for this role, and in general his passing could be a major asset on the counter attack as Arsenal look to exploit space in behind their opponents.
