Why West Ham should avoid making a move for Christian Eriksen
According to Eurosport, West Ham United are eyeing a shock swoop for out-of-favour Inter Milan star Christian Eriksen ahead of the January transfer window.
The Danish international will be allowed to leave next month and as per the report, David Moyes could be lining up a move for the playmaker.
Profile
Born in Middelfart, Denmark, Eriksen began his footballing journey at the academy of local club Middelfart G&BK in 1995, spending ten years before moving to Odense BK. After three years at the club, the attacking midfielder joined Dutch giants Ajax, where he enjoyed his breakthrough.
Eriksen went on to rack up 163 appearances for Ajax, scoring 32 goals and setting up 65 more, before Tottenham came calling in 2013. During his time at the North London outfit, the 28-year-old grew into one of the best in his position in England, playing a key role in Mauricio Pochettino’s revolution at Tottenham.
After over 300 appearances, in which he registered 69 goals and 89 assists, Eriksen left Tottenham in January this year, joining Inter Milan. However, things have failed to work out for the midfielder in Italy. In 36 apperances so far for the Nerazzurri, he has just seven goal involvements.
One of the first names on the teamsheet for the Denmark national team, Eriksen has 103 international caps, scoring 36 goals.
West Ham better off without a declining Eriksen
West Ham have made a largely positive start to the 2020/21 season, having made some smart recruitment in the summer.
For David Moyes’ side to sustain this form and push for a top-half finish, or even a potential European spot, adding more quality to the side in January would make a lot of sense. However, signing Eriksen might not prove to be the best move for the East London giants.
Eriksen’s form has been pretty much on the decline over the past year or so. The 28-year-old managed an ordinary return of seven goals and six assists last season despite making 54 appearances for Tottenham and Inter Milan combined. And he is yet to open his account for goals or assists in ten appearances this season.
While his experience in the Premier League would be a plus point, the Dane’s declining form would make his signing fraught with risk. Furthermore, quite where he would fit in Moyes’ side is also a major issue.
The West Ham boss has settled on a 5-4-1 setup that has reaped rewards this term. And Eriksen, who is best utilised in a No. 10 role, would be a misfit in such a system.
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Verdict
Eriksen is a quality player with a lot of experience and proven pedigree in the Premier League. However, the 28-year-old’s powers have been on the wane of late. Add to it, he might not be a good fit into Moyes’ tactical setup at West Ham. Thus, the Hammers would be better off staying away from such a move.
