Thursday 9 November 2017 11:42, UK
Thomas Sorensen believes Denmark have the edge over the Republic of Ireland thanks to game-changers Kasper Schmeichel and Christian Eriksen.
The Premier League duo can be the difference in the World Cup play-off - live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event on Saturday - according to Sorensen, who won 101 caps for Denmark during his career.
Former Sunderland and Stoke goalkeeper Sorensen knows all about the qualities the Republic of Ireland have to offer after spending almost 20 years of his career in England, not to mention his time playing under Martin O'Neill at Aston Villa.
"Ireland is not going to be easy, you know exactly what you're getting with them: a tough team with a lot of Premier League experience, they've been there and done it," Sorensen told Sky Sports. "I think it will be very tight but I am hoping the likes of Eriksen and Schmeichel can be the difference, as I don't think Ireland have got those players, that individual player that can do that special thing and hopefully Denmark have that and can gain that advantage."
Spurs playmaker Eriksen has led his side through the group stage, scoring eight goals as the Danes earned a play-off spot. The midfielder is at the centre of all things positive in the Denmark team, which is built on the strong foundations of Schmeichel behind experienced defender Simon Kjaer, not to mention rising stars Andreas Christiansen and Pone Sisto.
"He [Eriksen] has done tremendously well. I think in the past he probably struggled with the pressure a little bit. He's such a laid back, quiet guy, almost too nice at times and I think that kept him back. His confidence has grown over the last couple of years. Now he's playing at a world-class level, week in and week out, but he's also doing it in the Danish team.
"He's probably struggled with being branded as 'the next Michael Laudrup' and those things that came with it when he was younger, but he's grown into the role and people see him for what he is - he's comfortable with that now. He's thriving, he's scoring goals, he's instrumental and if Denmark want to achieve something, they need him."
Sorensen is well acquainted with Schmeichel, whose father Peter recommended the goalkeeper to then Sunderland manager Peter Reid when he was a relative unknown in the game. He recognises the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree when it comes to Schmeichel Jnr's attitude, but accepts the current Denmark No 1 is a very different beast to his dad.
"He's a different goalkeeper than his dad, but he's got the same attitude, he's worked incredibly hard and has done all the time I've known him," Sorensen said. "He's really dedicated himself to becoming what he is now. He's taken the tough road to get where he is now; he didn't rely on his name, he went to some of the smaller clubs before he got to the top. He was at Leicester when they were really struggling, so he's done the hard yards and really deserves everything he's achieved - winning the Premier League was a great achievement for him and his team."
Denmark failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup and last year's Euros, something Sorensen believes will make Age Hareide's side more determined to get to Russia next summer.
"I think there is a great expectation that they probably should [go through]," he said. "They have a really talented squad now, they have a bit of a chip on their shoulder because they've not qualified for a while. Now they have a team with some really good players like Eriksen, Schmeichel and Simon Kjaer, and a lot of young players with some experience. I think, overall, they're in a really good place."
Denmark struggled for goals during the group stage as strikers Andreas Cornelius and Nicolai Jorgensen netted just two each during the qualifying process. Their lack of form has coincided with the return of Nicklas Bendtner to the international scene after almost two years in the wilderness. He is currently the top scorer in the Norwegian top flight and has helped Rosenborg to win the title.
"I think what Denmark have needed for the last 10 years is a quality striker," Sorensen said. "They've always had some good players but not somebody of international level, and on his day Bendtner can be that guy. He's obviously struggled for form for quite a few years but now he's back in and he can definitely play a key role as a starter or as a 'joker' coming on if you need a goal during the two games. I am sure he will play some part and he seems in a good place at the moment."
Stopping Eriksen will be integral to O'Neill's plans but that might just free up some space for a joker in the pack to make the difference.
