After a stand out performance in Inter’s 4-0 Serie A victory over Benevento yesterday, Christian Eriksen could become an important cog in a charge for the Scudetto, Italian media claim.
Starting in a deep midfield role in place of Marcelo Brozovic, the Denmark captain shone and played an instrumental role in a routine victory at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
Having set Inter up with an early freekick that forced Benevento left-back Riccardo Improta to turn into his own net, Eriksen controlled possession in midfield and struck the crossbar in the second half.
His performance in the new role drew praise in today’s newspaper edition of Corriere della Sera, with a suggestion that his comfort and intelligence in the position could serve as an additional tool for coach Antonio Conte.
For one night, everything was easy and the best news was Eriksen,” Corriere della Sera reported. “It was a freekick from the Dane after seven minutes that forced an own goal, but the quality in the deep role convinced the skeptics.
“Conte must be pleased with the display. Eriksen played that role against Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia without success, but this time, perhaps due to the limitations of the opponent, he passed with flying colours.
“Until last week he seemed like a player to get rid of. Now he could be an extra weapon in the race for the title.”
Eriksen has scored five goals in 42 appearances since arriving from Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur last January and has struggled for form and playing time this season.