3 players who have disappointed for Tottenham Hotspur so far this season

#1 Christian Eriksen

Wantaway midfielder Eriksen is struggling for motivation this term

Rightly held to a higher standard, it's fair to say Christian Eriksen hasn't got going yet this season. One of Tottenham's best and most integral players, it's no coincidence his dip in form has had an adverse effect on their overall creativity levels. This summer's transfer saga didn't help matters either.

Having put himself in the shop window, the playmaker was actively angling for a big-money move, citing his desire for a fresh start as the main motivation to depart north London after six years. While Spain is believed to be his preferred destination, speculation over his future continued to spill over as the season started on August 9.

Inspired displays against Aston Villa and Arsenal were sandwiched by some underwhelming performances too - a trend that has continued over the course of the season.

It's been a sluggish start to 19/20 for Eriksen and interestingly, he looks a different player when on international duty for Denmark. That speaks volumes of the situation at hand as suspicions suggest he's mentally checked out on Tottenham despite him and his teammates insisting that's not the case. So what's wrong then?

This season, he's played in a variety of different creative roles with varying degrees of success. His best position has always been in the number ten role, operating freely and able to link midfield with attack wherever possible.

He's provided 17 key passes in 12 appearances (PL, UCL) this term - compared to seven in three games for Denmark in their UEFA Nations League fixtures. Opposition quality and differing responsibilities are among the factors but when you're isolated, playing on the left-and-right flanks, you can't affect the game in the same way.

He's played right-and-left midfield, a holding central role and further forward as the lone creative midfielder behind Harry Kane, Lucas Moura and Heung-min Son. Being such a focal point is probably keeping him in the team, because when Spurs don't have possession he's a passenger.

That much was clear against Everton where he was anonymous, despite covering more ground (13.8 km) than anyone else before being replaced. Lo Celso's return from injury and Eriksen's contract situation suggest something will change soon, although this has been a long time coming now.