Wednesday 15 November 2017 07:48, UK
Christian Eriksen should be ranked among the top 10 players in the world, according to Denmark manager Age Hareide.
Eriksen produced a man-of-the-match display in helping Denmark come from behind to beat the Republic of Ireland 5-1 in Tuesday's World Cup play-off second leg.
The Tottenham midfielder scored a hat-trick to take his tally for the qualification campaign to 11 goals and Hareide believes he should be regarded as one of the world's standout players.
"It's difficult to rank, but we saw [in Tottenham's Champions League matches] against Real Madrid he is probably one of the best players in his position in Europe at the moment," said the Denmark manager following Tuesday's victory.
"Ronaldo, Messi and some strikers are playing as forwards. Christian is more a wide man or a central midfield player. He has this capability of scoring goals, making assists, finding space, so, definitely top 10."
Eriksen admitted he was nervous prior to the play-off tie at the Aviva Stadium but feels the three goals will have a positive impact on his "whole career and life".
The 25-year old returns to Tottenham for Saturday's north London derby, live on Sky Sports Premier League, and his nation's boss is convinced his current surroundings are to thank for Tuesday's performance.
"He's in a team now at Tottenham which wants to play football. They play football - we saw against Real Madrid that it suits him very well to play there," added Hareide.
"He has good players to play with, he has a good manager and I think he is enjoying his time at Tottenham at the moment."
