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Season in review: Who was Tottenham’s best midfielder?

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur controls the ball as Adrien Silva of Leicester City and Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur controls the ball as Adrien Silva of Leicester City and Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /
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For all the stellar midfield performances in 2017-18, Christian Eriksen set himself apart from the rest and is deserving of Tottenham’s best midfielder of the season moniker.

Along with Dele Alli, Eriksen led the team with 10 assists. He also chipped in with 10 goals, equalling the most he’s scored with Tottenham in the Premier League. The only other time he scored 10 goals was in 2014-15, his second season with Spurs. Only Son Heung-Min (12) and Harry Kane (30) scored more for Tottenham this season.

While Spurs expect Eriksen to pull the strings from midfield as the side’s principle creator, the extent of his influence on some pivotal matches surprised even those who know him intimately.

Eriksen enjoyed all-world performances against Manchester United and Chelsea in the league and almost single-handedly provided a lifeline for Spurs in Turin against Juventus.

The dashing Dane spearheaded Spurs’ Turin revival with numerous wondrous passes, and scored the equalizer against one of the world’s best keepers from a crafty long-range free kick. That performance was inarguably the best individual outing of any Spurs player during the 2017-18 campaign.

He also scored one of the best goals you’ll ever bear witness to. Eriksen unleashed a bullet from 25 metres against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a must-win game. His effort dipped faster than a strawberry into chocolate fondue, making a fool of Wilfredo Caballero.

His strike against Chelsea was awarded the Premier League’s best goal in April. It was also one of Tottenham’s most important goals of the season. Eriksen’s equalizer led the way to a comeback victory, which all but secured Tottenham’s place in the 2018-19 Champions League.

The one knock on the dynamic Dane was his inability to consistently play at a top level. He still endured a few lacklustre performances last year, but, for the most part, eradicated those inconsistencies that plagued his game in years past.

The dynamic Dane contributes more on the defensive side of the ball now, too. He made 51 tackles, blocked 37 shots and intercepted play on 31 occasions, showcasing his willingness to do a job he’s less comfortable with for the good of the collective.

Next: Transfer update: Which players are Spurs-bound?

While Mousa Dembele and Eric Dier also enjoyed wonderful seasons (Son and Alli are, for argument’s sake being considered as forwards), Tottenham’s dynamic Dane rose to the top when it mattered most, further exemplifying why he’s one of the most sought after creators in world football.

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