Harry Redknapp: ‘Great lad’ Eriksen has to play

Ex-Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has insisted that Christian Eriksen is “a good sort of boy” and Tottenham must “play him to win games”.

Eriksen has started on the bench in two of the opening three Premier League matches this season amid speculation that he will move to Spain before the end of the European transfer window.

Harry De Cosemo believes Spurs must hang on to the Danish midfielder.

Redknapp spoke to talkSPORT: “Pochettino left Eriksen out of the first game against Villa, and he turned the game on its head when he came on and they got the win.

“But then he leaves him out again against Newcastle at the weekend, it’s a strange one.

“Without Dele Alli, Eriksen is the only player Spurs have got who can make that final pass. Why was he on the bench?

“I know he wants to go, but while he’s there I’d still be looking to play him to win games.

“If there is a problem with him, why bring him on, just because you’re in trouble?”

Redknapp faced the same conundrum with Luka Modric, and has urged Pochettino to do what he did and keep playing his star midfielder, despite the transfer rumours.

“He doesn’t look like a lad who is going to cause a problem does he? He’s come on and tried. He looks a good sort of boy to me,” he said.

“I had the same problem with Luka Modric when Chelsea came in for him, but he still played. Even though Chelsea were offering to double his money, he got on with it. He stayed, played and was fantastic.

“Eriksen looks the same type to me. He’s not a troublemaker, he’s a fantastic football and seems like a great lad.”

Redknapp is surprised by Tottenham’s poor form which has seen them claim just 15 points from the last 15 Premier League games including the end of last season.

“I thought they would get closer to Man City and Liverpool this year, especially after spending money in the summer,” Harry added.

“I don’t think they’ll finish any worst than third, but they haven’t had a great start.

“Eriksen is only one person; they’ve still got a strong enough group to beat Newcastle. So what’s the problem?

“There seems to be something not quite right there. I don’t know what’s going on. Pochettino is saying the atmosphere around the team is not good, but what are the problems?

“They’ve sold Kieran Trippier, Danny Rose wants to leave but has ended up staying, and what’s wrong with Jan Vertonghen? I don’t know what’s happened to him. He’s an outstanding player.

“What is the problem… why is there unrest?”