Tottenham Hotspur’s Christian Eriksen has answered his early-season critics in style – by making a habit of scoring last-gasp winners. The Danish international continued his heroics against Swansea City on Sunday, with another 89th minute winner. How vital is the 22-year-old set to be for Spurs’ top four ambitions?

Eriksen scored his sixth goal of the campaign on Sunday, as Tottenham left it late to leave South Wales with all three points. It wasn’t the first time this season that Tottenham and indeed Eriksen have waited until the death to strike the decisive blow. Harry Kane started the trend with an injury-time winner at Villa Park at the start of last month, then it was Eriksen’s turn – with a 90th minute goal in the 2-1 away win at Hull City a fortnight later.

But it’s not just the Dane’s goal-scoring prowess that has made him standout recently. His overall performances of late, have given Tottenham a new lease of life, and they are now looking towards hunting down a top four place, rather than peaking over their shoulders. When things wasn’t go quite to plan at the beginning of the campaign, Eriksen was just one of a number of Spurs players who were criticised for their lackadaisical performances. But since then, his recent turnaround in fortunes have been a phenomenal feat.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been beaten just once in six games, and they have shot to within four points of West Ham United – who currently occupy fourth. Eriksen has been a vital catalyst for Spurs’ recent pick up in form, which has led to rumoured interest from other clubs. The 22-year-old has been quoted to be worth £30+. But the Lilywhites’ playmaker has proved how important he has been at Tottenham this season, and it is imperative that Spurs do everything in their power to keep their star-man. But it is also crucial that the Tottenham midfielder keeps up his magnificent form for as long as possible.

With Tottenham’s main strikers Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor both enduring disappointing campaigns. Spurs have become ever too reliant on Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen to produce the goals. But if the Lilywhites have any aspirations of making the top four this season, they are going to need their strikers to start firing on all cylinders.

When Spurs forked out £11m for his services from Ajax in August 2013, he was signed to provide the goals – not necessarily to score them. The Danish international, who has already stacked up nearly 50 appearances for his national side, is currently Spurs’ joint-second top scorer so far – with six strikes. Eriksen is only a goal behind his Premier League total from last year.

The Dane’s recent performances of late have had the Spurs fans licking their lips. He’s demanding the ball, and wants to make things happen at every opportunity. Pochettino recently told the Mirror that Eriksen; “is a big talent and very key player for us.” Which proves his boss has every faith in him and realises his importance.

If he can remain fit and keep his goalscoring frame of mind, then Eriksen could be one of Tottenham’s main men to fire the Lilywhites into the top four come the end of the season.

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