Danish footballer Christian Eriksen is expected to be one of the names who will light up the Euro 2012 this summer. The 20-year-old midfielder has been thought of as the next big thing in world football, but he failed to deliver the goods at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, he was only 18 years old when he was playing for the Danish national team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Many expect a mature performance from him at the Euro 2012 this time around. Christian Eriksen was linked with many major clubs across the world including AC Milan and Chelsea when he was just 16 years old.

His expected to leave Ajax at the end of the season for a major club because the 20-year-old has said that it is the right time for him to move. He is expected to command a transfer fee of around £ 35 million, but that will largely depend upon his performances at the Euro 2012. He has now been included in the squad for the major competition by the manager along with Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner. Denmark are in the group containing Netherlands, Germany, and Portugal. Even though there are not expected to qualify, they can be the dark horses according to Michael Laudrup.

“My first step should not be too big. I knew that playing in the Netherlands would be very good for my development. Then Ajax arrived and that was a fantastic option,” said Eriksen after choosing Ajax over the likes of AC Milan and Chelsea. “This prize is just the beginning, a stimulus to get the maximum out of his career. The talent is there, the recognition also; now it is up to the player himself. He is a typical product of the Danish school. You can compare him with Brian and Michael Laudrup. Only time will tell if Eriksen can reach the same level as them,” said Cruyff.