Christian Eriksen is moving ahead of Arturo Vidal in Antonio Conte’s midfield pecking order at Inter, an Italian media report claimed today.
Eriksen has enjoyed a real upturn in form in recent weeks, impressing again during Sunday’s 3-1 win over Lazio alongside Marcelo Brozovic.
Tuttosport’s print edition reported that Conte was persuaded to move the Dane back into the ‘mezzala’ role against Juventus and the Biancocelesti by a member of his coaching staff, who suggested Eriksen’s successful display against Benevento – where he played as a ‘regista’ – was mostly down to the slow tempo of the game.
Conte has therefore seemingly reverted to his original plan for Eriksen, having played the 29-year-old to the left of his midfield three on his debut at Udinese last year.
Vidal risks moving down Conte’s pecking order in midfield as a result, with the Chilean continuing to recover from a knee injury sustained two weeks ago.
The Turin-based paper said Vidal was now paying for Conte’s urge to play him constantly during the first half of the season, arguing this was the reason for his recent injury woes.
Conte’s relationship with Vidal is no longer as tight as it once was, the report stated, with the Inter boss awaiting signs of revival from the former Barcelona and Juventus midfielder.
“Who’s to say Eriksen’s resurrection can’t give Vidal the wake-up call he needs,” TS concluded.
Eriksen is thought to be favourite ahead of Vidal to start Sunday’s crucial Derby della Madonnina against AC Milan.