Anyone see similarities between the way Harry introduced Modric and the way Tim is handling Eriksen? In both cases, the players were stuck out on the wings, away from the congested and often hectic centre of midfield in favour of a freer role out wide. In Modric's case, that allowed him to adapt to the Prem and eventually hardened him up enough to allow him to be moved back into the centre. I wonder if we'll see the same thing happening with Eriksen soon. In any case, great performance today: got an assist and the winning goal at Old Trafford while also helping out Rose defensively: a fine performance. Well done, son.
I actually think that narrow-left role suits him more than it did Modric, and the CM one less.
Modric was always very nifty, just like Mousa, but even quicker, and was also extremely dogged in his defence of the ball and use of his body, areas which I think Eriksen is significantly worse at.
On the other hand, Eriksen looks much more comfortable between the lines. Modric was not one for a defence-splitting cheeky reverse on the edge of the box, he liked to play longer balls and lobbed passes over the top (talking generally, this was by no means a rule).
Most importantly, Eriksen has a very good shot and his capable of placing it, curling it, and drilling it. Modric always looked very limp when striking the ball, meaning he was never really a threat coming in from the left, whereas Eriksen cutting in can set him up for a shot as well as a pass, adding a bit of unpredictability. He is also quicker that Modric which is obviously useful in wide areas.
Don't get me wrong, I think Eriksen has all the attributes to be a great deep-lying playmaker with practice, and we may well use him there under certain circumstances, but he has really impressed me coming in from the left, moreso than Modric. Which is why I don't think he will be making the same switch inside for the long term.
EDIT: Eriksen did play a bit of a deeper role at Ajax, but this was as part of a 3. I don't think he could cope with playing in a 2 as well as Modric did. Unless we are without both Dembele and Paulinho, or tactical reasons require it, I think Eriksen would be more useful at LM when playing 2 in the centre.
My only issue is his defensive ability/work rate, especially with Rose outside him. Sandro at CM would help in this regard but Eriksen needs to apply himself a bit more.
