Manchester United have two midfielders facing off when Denmark take on Tunisia at the 2022 World Cup.
Christian Eriksen starts for Denmark, while Hannibal Mejbri is on the bench for Tunisia.
Første startopstilling til VM 👀#ForDanmark #worldcup
📸 @fbbillederdk pic.twitter.com/nBCgcTPMZT— Fodboldlandsholdene 🇩🇰 (@dbulandshold) November 22, 2022
🔴⚪ OFFICIEL :
Le 11 de départ de la Tunisie face au Danemark !
Dahmen – Drager, Meriah, Talbi, Bronn, Abdi – Laïdouni, Skhiri, Ben Slimane – Msakni (c), Jebali.#TeamTunisia #DANTUN 🇩🇰🇹🇳 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/OHtQq8vula
— Tunisie Football (@tunisiefootball) November 22, 2022
Denmark captain Simon Kjaer and manager Kasper Hjulmand have both praised Eriksen, 18-months after a cardiac arrest ruled him out of the European Championships. With one goal and six assists from 20 appearances for Manchester United this season, he has been in incredible form and will look to continue that at the World Cup.
Ahead of his 118th appearance for Denmark, national team boss Hjulmand said (via Tipsbladet): “Before the European Championships, I said he was the heart of the team.
“When he plays, he has an amazing ability to take the rhythm of the match and control the match with his passing, vision and work performance.
“First of all, it’s great to have Christian back. Also, as a person. He’s a great player, but an even better person.
“I remember when he came back in March and scored against Holland – from that moment on we had him back. It’s just a pleasure to work with Christian.
“At yesterday’s training, we decided not to do much and not increase the intensity too much, but Christian can’t help it. You almost have to pull him off the field. The love of the game is the most important thing for Christian.”
Kjaer added: “We are all happy and grateful that Christian is here after what happened.
“As a footballer, he’s probably one of the best I’ve ever seen in terms of quality and love for the game, and he just enjoys being here.
“He perhaps appreciates it even more than the rest of us. We love having Christian with us, and every minute he plays is a plus for Denmark.”
Meanwhile, for United loanee Hannibal, it’s a chance to play on the world stage. He has been impressing on loan at Birmingham City this season and will look to become part of Erik ten Hag’s plans with strong displays at the World Cup.
We wish both players the very best.
