Christian Eriksen's importance to Tottenham cannot be overstated

Tottenham cannot expect to lose a player like Christian Eriksen and continue to progress, writes Adam Bate.

Few could disagree with Mauricio Pochettino's recent comments about Christian Eriksen, his importance to Tottenham, and the contract that is set to expire in 2020. But while they did not tell Spurs supporters much that they didn't know, the alarm bells will now be ringing.

"Christian Eriksen is such an important player for Tottenham and of course as a person or as a coach, you would like to have this type of player with you," said Pochettino. "But in the end it is a negotiation and there are different parties that have different interests.

"It will be fantastic if he is going to be committed to the club for a long-term, and if not it is his right to do what he wants to do." He added: "What is going to happen between him and the club is not only in our hands."

1:34 Mauricio Pochettino warns Tottenham need to 'operate in a different way' Mauricio Pochettino warns Tottenham need to 'operate in a different way'

Just as Barcelona interest appears to have cooled, the talk of a move to Real Madrid has come to the fore. When they begin to turn attention your way then even bigger clubs than Tottenham have cause for concern. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is a fierce negotiator but time is not on his side as Eriksen enters the final 18 months of his deal.

The Dane is 26 and in his prime. After six seasons of sterling service at Spurs, few neutrals would begrudge him the chance to showcase his talents elsewhere if he feels that major silverware risks eluding him. He is a sublimely gifted player and it is no surprise that the giants from Spain are interested in what he could bring them.

1:59 Pochettino says it would be 'fantastic' if Eriksen signed a new deal Pochettino says it would be 'fantastic' if Eriksen signed a new deal

But there will be concern too at where this might leave the Tottenham project at such a critical juncture given their impending move to their new stadium. It is natural that they would lose out if the player is sold - whatever the fee that Levy is able to squeeze from a buyer. Any team would miss Eriksen. But how severe could the impact of his exit be?

The statistics reveal the problem. Over the past three seasons, Eriksen has not only been Tottenham's most creative player, he has been the Premier League's most creative player. His tally of 239 chances created puts him ahead of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne on the list.

Eriksen has created more chances than anyone in the last three seasons

It is to Pochettino's credit that despite this undoubted influence, results have largely held up when Eriksen has been missing this season. But nobody should be fooled into thinking this means Tottenham would be unaffected by his permanent unavailability.

Spurs may have won seven of the eight Premier League matches that Eriksen has not started this season but none of them were against fellow top-six teams. When they did face a title rival without him, Manchester City at Wembley, they were duly beaten.

Despite facing tougher fixtures with Eriksen in the starting line-up, Spurs have averaged more chances created in those games than in the ones where he was omitted. It is just a hint of what is clear to all - Pochettino's team does not function quite as well without him.

Of course, the impact if Eriksen does not agree to the club's lucrative contract offer will extend beyond the immediate effect on the pitch. Although Kyle Walker was lost to City, Spurs have done brilliantly to keep this exciting group of players together. They are eager to continue that progress through to its conclusion - maybe even with a title win.

Walker's exit was addressed internally thanks to Kieran Trippier's improvement and externally through the acquisition of Serge Aurier. Spurs are covered at left-back with Danny Rose and Ben Davies, while the hope is that Davinson Sanchez has long since shown that if a team is willing to pay Toby Alderweireld's release clause then they will be able to cope.

But Eriksen is surely a different matter.

He is the man who makes this team tick, perhaps second only to Harry Kane in importance. They need him to sign this contract. Because while it is possible to imagine Tottenham without him, it is almost impossible to imagine that Tottenham can be as good without him.