Eriksen seeks Pochettino talks over role – report

Matt Stead

Christian Eriksen will seek talks with Mauricio Pochettino over his future role at Tottenham, according to reports.

The London Evening Standard claim that, according to their sources, Eriksen ‘is growing increasingly mystified’ at his lack of chances in what he believes to be his best position – the No 10 role.

Despite featuring regularly behind the striker for Denmark, as well as at former club Ajax, Eriksen has started in the No 10 role just four times in the Premier League this season, with Dele Alli (nine) favoured far more often.

Eriksen has started nine games on the left and three on the right, but was handed an opportunity in a central position behind Harry Kane on Wednesday against Leicester. Spurs lost 1-0, with Eriksen making fewer passes than all but two outfield starters for the hosts.

According to the Evening Standard, Eriksen ‘believes he would be able to offer more centrally’, and is keen to discuss his role with manager Pochettino. The 23-year-old ‘will accept whatever instructions’ his boss gives him, the article adds, with Eriksen simply seeking clarity.

Seven different players have been used by Pochettino as his No 10 this season; six different players were used there last season, with Eriksen (24) easily the most regular.

The Dane was the club’s third-highest league goalscorer in the 2014/15 season, behind only Kane and Nacer Chadli, but his two goals this campaign is equal to Toby Alderweireld, and one fewer than Eric Dier’s haul.