Thomas Frank believes Christian Eriksen has become a better player at Brentford as he is playing with ‘an extra edge’ and claims the midfielder ‘maybe cares a little bit more’ as the Bees boss remains confident they can keep hold of the Dane
- Christian Eriksen joined Brentford on a free transfer in the January window
- The midfielder has been in outstanding form since his Premier League return
- The Dane could play his last game for the Bees on Sunday with his deal expiring
- But boss Thomas Frank remains confident they can keep hold of him in summer
Thomas Frank believes Christian Eriksen has become an even better player and shown a new side to his game since signing for Brentford.
The midfielder’s current contract expires at the end of this season, meaning Sunday’s game against Leeds could be his final for the club.
But Bees boss Frank remains confident that the club can keep hold of him beyond the end of the season and believes he has played with an ‘extra edge’ during his time in west London.
Thomas Frank (left) believes Christian Eriksen (right) has become a better player at Brentford
‘I don’t think it could have gone any better,’ said Frank. ‘People ask me “are you surprised by his level?” No.
‘I think maybe when I watch more games with him, training sessions, and watch the games back. I have a feeling that he plays with an extra edge.
‘Of course I ask him about it. It just feels like he plays with a combination of freedom, that little extra determination. He’s enjoying it.
Bees boss Frank remains confident that the club can keep hold of the midfielder in summer
‘He’s a maestro on the pitch. He’s the one that dictates the games. He’s always been running and covering a lot of ground but his recovery runs, his willingness to come back into the box and clear balls, heading balls away, that you have to do when you play for Brentford, has been remarkable.
‘I haven’t seen that from him earlier in his career. It seems like he, I don’t know, maybe cares a little bit more about everything.’
Leeds have struggled in their second season in the top flight and could be relegated at the Brentford Community Stadium should they fail to better Burnley’s result against Newcastle.
But Frank believes that so-called second season syndrome is a myth.
The manager described the Dane as a ‘maestro on the pitch’ who dictates the game for the side
‘It’s a narrative I don’t believe that much in,’ he added.
‘I’m hugely respectful of this league. I think we can achieve new, great things next season. I think we can get relegated. There’s a chance or a risk, depending on how you see it, for both.
‘But if I look at the performances we’ve put in this season and where we are. We’re finishing top ten, 11th or 12th or something like that. Fantastic.
‘The performances have been very good. All the stats back up that it is not lucky this season, so why is it that we shouldn’t be able to do this next year?’