5 players to watch during the European playoffs for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

#3 Christian Eriksen (Denmark)

Denmark v Poland - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier

Denmark are not the star-studded side they used to be during the 1990s, but they are living a rebuilding process that should give them quite a few satisfactions. They are not a top side in Europe, but have enough talent to upset almost any team in the world.

And while their playoff tie against Republic Ireland puts them as favourites on paper, there is no question that Denmark must perform at the top of their game to advance to the World Cup next year.

The Danish side has an interesting core featuring Kasper Schmeichel, Simon Kjaer, Yussuf Poulsen, and youngster Kasper Dolberg. But the one player that must lead the side is Christian Eriksen.

The former Ajax and current Tottenham star is considered to be one of the best attacking midfielders in the English Premier League, and he is the engine that keeps the Danish team going.

His play will be key for the Danish side, and all eyes will be on him to see if he can lead his country to the promised land.

Eriksen already has put in a lot of interesting displays with his country in recent years. He led the team in terms of scoring during the World Cup Qualifiers, with eight goals in ten matches, a sum that ranked him fifth in the entire UEFA region and one that lifted him as the most productive scoring midfielder in the qualifying run.

Ireland defeated Wales on their way to the playoffs so they won't be easy opponents. But, if Eriksen is sharp, Denmark have a huge chance of making it to the World Cup after missing out four years ago.