Christian Eriksen Tottenham transfer tipped but Antonio Conte issue leaves unanswered question

Christian Eriksen is being linked with a return to Tottenham as he continues his impressive comeback with Brentford.

At one stage, it seemed as though Eriksen may not be able to resume his career after suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, but he has since returned to the pitch, and indeed to his best form.

The Dane has scored and assisted in his first four games for Brentford, and he is already being linked with a big move, with his contract up at the end of this season.

Having worked with Spurs boss Antonio Conte previously, Eriksen is being tipped for a Tottenham return, but how would he fit in with today’s Spurs?

Inter Milan success

Eriksen has already enjoyed success working under Conte in the past.

The Dane linked up with the now Tottenham boss at Inter Milan and they managed to win the Serie A title together. They also managed to finish second in the Europa League in the prior season, losing to Sevilla in the final.

During his first season under Conte, Eriksen managed four goals and three assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.

In his second - and only full season - he managed four goals and no assists in 34 appearances, which is a far from ideal return.

Though, he often played as a deep midfielder in that season, and low goal creation output is not uncommon with Conte, whose successful teams usually master the art of low-scoring, narrow wins.

Tottenham formation

Conte has had success with the 3-4-2-1 formation of late with Spurs, and on paper, Eriksen could slot right into that.

In one of the more creative roles, as part of the two behind Harry Kane, the Dane should be well suited to do what he does best.

And he has managed that with Brentford, albeit as part of one of two advanced roles in a midfield three.

Though, it’s worth remembering Conte’s tendency to play Eriksen deeper during the pair’s time at Inter.

What he has said about Spurs

Eriksen clearly enjoyed a number of memorable years in his seven or so years at the club, but the drama surrounding his contract situation ahead of his exit left him with a bitter taste in his mouth.

“England, for the last few years, was very hectic,” Eriksen told BBC Sport in 2020. “After what I said in the summer, it was just about: ‘When is he going to leave?’ Every game it was: ‘Is he leaving? Is he not leaving?’ Of course a lot of people were speaking about it.

“Even the fans you see on the street were like: ‘Thank you, goodbye and good luck.’ But I was still there. It was a bit weird. In my head and for my body, it is good that I am in a new place and I can start again.”

He added: “I wouldn’t say it affected me. In England, when your contract is shorter, it is like you have to leave now. You are gone. In the end I played about 30 games that were like goodbye games.

“If you have a short contract, you will be the black sheep. Of course, I did the interview. I was very honest. I felt I had to be honest.

“I did get the blame for a lot of stuff, for being the bad guy. I read I was the bad person in the changing room, that ever since I said I wanted to leave, it was no good me being there.”

Eriksen has, of course, since returned to England, but it would be interesting to know if he feels the wounds have been healed following a difficult end to things in North London.