Christian Eriksen's 'extra magic' will help Brentford survival bid, says boss Thomas Frank

Christian Eriksen will provide Brentford with the «extra magic» they need after making a first start since his cardiac arrest, says Bees boss Thomas Frank.

Eriksen, 30, collapsed and needed CPR while playing in Denmark's opening Euro 2020 game against Finland last summer.

He was subsequently fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and after joining Brentford on a six-month contract he made his first appearance last weekend, before starting in Brentford's crucial 3-1 win at Norwich on Saturday, which leaves them six points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.

Striker Ivan Toney scored a hat-trick, including two second-half penalties, but Eriksen was impressive throughout and topped Brentford's stats on all Opta's distribution metrics.

«We knew that we needed to build Christian right — it will take a few more games before he reaches the top standards he can provide,» Frank told Sky Sports.

«You need to be out there, go the 90 and feel fatigued.

»You can see he just has that extra magic that no doubt will help us."

The win ended a run of nine games without success in all competitions for Brentford, who are playing in the Premier League for the first time.

Eriksen sent in the corner that led to the first goal, and had the most touches (67), attempted the most passes (46), completed the most passes (38) of any Brentford player.

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Frank, who managed Eriksen as a Denmark youth player, added: «It was a top delivery for the first goal. There were top passes when he tried to find players in behind.

»You can see there's more to come from him which is a positive. The ability he gives us is a big plus."

Eriksen was rated 9.25 and given player of the match by BBC users as he