Since the 97th minute of the Italian Cup against AC Milan, where his free kick was tucked into the net, something in the Danish connection has opened up • Inter will enjoy him in the most important league derby in a decade?
Eriksen consults AC Milan in the derby
Photo:
Reuters
The last time Inter and AC Milan met, in late January, Christian Eriksen was supposed to be a comma in the story of the derby.
It was in the Italian Cup quarter-final, at San Siro, in the big battle between Zlatan and Lukaku, and the Dane came on in the 88th minute and in a 1-1 draw with Antonio Conte's head in extra time, perhaps on penalties as well.
But penalty kicks were not kicked, nor was overtime.
In the 97th minute Eriksen decided the match with a wonderful free kick, and with his first goal of the season he changed his position from end to end.
Today, according to all reports and following the injuries of Arturo Vidal and Stefano Sensei, Eriksen is expected to be on the pitch from the first minute when Inter and AC Milan meet again - this time for this season's game in Serie A.
Until his kick was stuck in Tatarushnu's connections in the cup, the thought that Eriksen would open in Inter's squad in the most important derby this decade was imaginary.
Since arriving in January 2020 as the one who is supposed to take the Narazuri forward, the Danish connection has only gone backwards.
If in the last half of the season his numbers were bad and included a total of three goals and three assists in Inter's journey to the Europa League final in which he shared only 12 minutes, then this season his numbers have become catastrophic.
Eriksen hardly started in the lineup, neither lamb nor cooked, and seemed to be stuck in a place he did not want to be.
Indeed, when the last transfer window opened, there were reports in England and Italy that the 29-year-old had found a way back to the Premier League.
Tottenham and Leicester City were interested - but then the goal came in the derby, things changed, and Arcisen decided he was staying.
Of course, it was not just that goal - beautiful in itself - that changed Eriksen's status.
If before him he started in four league games out of 19, then he started in two out of three.
Beyond the perfect execution, the Danish midfielder seems to be finally addressing the rigid demands of his coach Conte.
Touching less, giving more
In recent games Eriksen touches the ball less often, plays faster and manages to fit in better with Inter's intense game.
"I applaud all the players," the coach said after the 1-3 win over Lazio in the last round, "especially to Eriksen, who is finally starting to understand what we want from him."
This understanding is not accidental.
The Italian's Italian studies - which were halted following the Corona - have recently resumed, and communication between him and Conte and his friends has become much better.
Eriksen's self-confidence soared to such heights that last week he posed in front of the cameras and for the first time since landing in the boot country conducted an entire interview in Italian.
Until recently, Eriksen was said to be a victim of timing and circumstances - a talented player who chose the wrong destination, at the wrong time.
That may have really been the case, but one goal against AC Milan changed the picture.
If today he scores another goal in front of her - Eriksen will already be the right person, in the right place, at the right time.
Maybe since the last championship in 2010.