Eriksen is like Pirlo and Modric in his new position – Cassano

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 17 May 2021 19:24 BST
• 1 min read

Christian Eriksen is comparable to Andrea Pirlo and Luka Modric since being moved into a deep-lying playmaker position.

That is the view of former Italy, Roma and Real Madrid attacker Antonio Cassano.

Eriksen looked almost certain to be heading out of the door at Inter after a disastrous first year at the club following his move from Tottenham.

However, Inter coach Antonio Conte recently reinvented Eriksen into a deep-lying midfield role – a position in which the Dane has impressed in so far.

Eriksen subsequently remained with the Nerazzurri as the January transfer window slammed shut on Monday night.

“We are talking about a great champion,” Cassano told Christian Vieri on Bobo TV. “He just needed confidence. It’s not that he learned how to play football today.

“Conte is changing his mind, I hope he can give him continuity to gain confidence.

“Eriksen is a less strong [Luka] Modric, but the Croatian wouldn’t play for Conte, since he doesn’t defend.

“I always remember Pirlo. Conte’s idea of Juventus wasn’t with Pirlo. Conte then found Pirlo, with some pushes from old and current players. He invented the 3-5-2 and won everything.”

Eriksen could be in action on Tuesday evening as Inter face Juventus in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi final.

The ex-Ajax man scored a brilliant injury-time free-kick to defeat Milan in the last round.