CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN IS ready for the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid and should leave Tottenham if the right offer comes along, according to former Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.

The Spurs playmaker has enjoyed a superb season under Mauricio Pochettino, with 10 goals and 11 assists helping them to a third-place finish in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old has been linked with LaLiga’s most powerful clubs, with Barca said to be particularly interested as they seek a long-term replacement for departing captain Andres Iniesta.

And Sorensen thinks now would be the right time for his compatriot to move to one of Europe’s elite.

“I know he has great feelings for Tottenham,” he told Perform. “He’s also a loyal guy, so for him to leave Tottenham, it would really need to be something special.

“If Barcelona, Real Madrid – those kinds of clubs came calling – he’ll definitely need to consider it. I don’t know exactly his position or his situation but he’ll definitely fit in there.

I think he’s mature enough now to go to a big club like that, where the expectations are there, also playing with other great players. I think he’s at the right time now where he’s ready for that. So, if that opportunity comes and it’s possible for him, I think he should go.”

Sorensen, who earned 101 senior caps for Denmark and even shared a room with Eriksen at the 2010 World Cup, thinks his old team-mate has developed into a true leader for club and country.

“You can only bow to his exploits this season,” said the former Aston Villa keeper. “He’s been tremendous for club and country.

I’ve known him for many years, I shared a room with him at the World Cup in 2010 and I’ve been fairly close to him. He’s a very quiet boy but I think he’s grown into a man over the last couple of years. He’s taken on the responsibility, both at Tottenham and also in the Danish team. I think that’s where he’s developed.

“He’s always been a technically good player, great vision. But now he’s taken that step of actually being a leader as well and taking responsibility in a way that he probably didn’t do before. I think that’s the massive difference. I think he’s ready to go to one of the top, top clubs because he has that talent and also now the personality as well.”

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Impressive Dundalk outclass Derry to go two points clear at top>

Setback for high-flying Waterford as Bray secure last-gasp point>