DANES LOOKING TO NEXT LAUDRUP

The Danish football Association is looking forward to fighting the next Michael Laudrup. Now, it’s Denmark’s turn to try. Their previous best finish came in 1992, where they were knocked out in the semi-finals by eventual winners Italy. In that same year, the Danish senior side won European Championship glory against Germany in Gothenburg. With Denmark in a promising position to make the Euro 2012 finals in Poland/Ukraine next year, could the under 21s have a chance to emulate the squad of 1992 and finish high on home soil?

Any success the Danes may have in the tournament will have to be spearheaded by star striker Nicki Billie Nielsen and playmaker Christian Eriksen. Villarreal striker Nielsen is bang in form after scoring two in Denmark’s final friendly against Turkey and with a solid record of eight goals in 14 under 21 appearances, Nielsen will be a major threat for Keld Bordinggaard’s side. Midfielder Eriksen is only 19, but has carved out a major name for himself with 13 senior caps and is dubbed the next Michael Laudrup by his country’s media. Ajax player Eriksen is subsequently being courted by Europe’s elite.