The Danish star says it is flattering to be compared with the Arsenal midfielder but insists that he has still some way to go before he reaches the same level
Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen has played down comparisons betwen himself and Mesut Ozil.
The former Ajax midfielder arrived in north London this summer and played a major part in both of Spurs’ goals in their 2-0 win over Norwich City on Saturday.
Ozil starred for Arsenal on the same afternoon and, while Eriksen is happy to be talked about in the same breath as the Germany international, he insists that he has some way to go before he can replicate his achievements.
“I think Ozil has achieved a little bit more than me! I am a few years younger and still have to learn a lot but it is nice to be compared,” he told reporters.
“Some players are booed in the first games and then are good. Hopefully the fans will not do that to me! But there will be mistakes. I am 21 but I hope I will make as few mistakes as possible.
“From what I have heard, it is not good to be compared with Arsenal players! But really, it is pretty cool to be compared with such big players.”
The Dane is hopeful that Spurs can make a serious challenge for the title, replying when asked of their chances: “Really good. It looks really good. It is different.
“We are in a new squad and still have to learn about everything and everybody but we have had a good beginning and it is pretty easy to play with such good players.”
Eriksen also explained that Liverpool never followed up their initial interest in him, revealing how Daniel Levy and Franco Baldini showed that Spurs meant business.
He added: “I talked a little bit with the manager but I had more to do with the chairman and the director, Baldini. They were they guys who really had the right words.
“It really impressed me that they wanted it so badly and wanted to do it so quickly. The first contact was with my agent and they talked and discussed all the things they normally do. Then afterwards my agent talked to me and I said: ‘Go on, I really want to hear what they have got to say.’
“The day after he was [in London] to look and see everything and talk with the big men, then the day after, they went to Amsterdam to negotiate with Ajax. The next day, Monday, I was here for a medical. It went really quick. Just four days.”