Should Tottenham convince Eriksen to stay through lucrative new contract?

Juventus and Real Madrid are not willing to fork out the asking price for Christian Eriksen, so is it in Tottenham’s best interest to convince the Dane to stay via a lucrative new contract offer? 

It’s as polarizing a subject as you’ll find in Spurs camp these days. Many supporters want Eriksen gone, but there are still some quarters keen on keeping him in north London. The Independent today is reporting that Tottenham are in emergency contract talks to convince Eriksen to continue his career with the Lilywhites.

No details have emerged as to what that contract offer would look like, but it seems the club’s intent is clear: Daniel Levy and company value Eriksen and what he brings to the side. Case in point was his contribution to the side off the bench in a cameo against Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.

While it’s true the home side started to play better before Erisken’s introduction, the Dane’s poise on the ball and ability to pick out a precise, penetrating pass a primary factor leading to Tottenham’s comeback win. His dangerous cross from the right side led directly to Tanguy Ndombele’s equalizer, a moment that typified Eriksen’s immeasurable contribution.

Naysayers will point to the fact that Giovani Lo Celso is more than capable of filling the void left by an Eriksen departure. They’ll also say that Eriksen disappears in pivotal matches against big sides, only showcasing his otherworldly talent against minnows or inferior opponents.

But to win the Premier League, you need as many on-the-ball influencers, like those of Eriksen’s quality, as you can get your hands on. Tottenham’s starting 11 on Saturday lacked a player who can distribute and dictate the play like Eriksen.

Most of Spurs’ Premier League opponents, like Villa on Saturday, will batten down the hatches, line up in a defensive shell with 11 men behind the ball, doing their utmost to frustrate Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

That exact strategy was employed to great effect by Villa on Saturday in the first half, as Tottenham’s starting 11 was devoid of the special creativity Eriksen offers.

Lo Celso is going to blossom into a world beater, but it’s hard to imagine Tottenham breaking down defences consistently without Eriksen’s enigmatic presence. Dele Alli and Son Heung-Min will provide a dangerous attacking threat when they return, but neither player can see a pass like Eriksen.

I’m not saying we should create a statue glorifying the dashing Dane. Nor am I saying we should forget what he said about moving on and trying something new. But maybe, just maybe, we should forgive him, putting our chances of winning the Premier League tittle, in the short term, ahead of collective unsullied pride.