Danish footballer and Denmark team's captain, Simon Kjaer, shines like a true leader in times of crisis

Niloufar Saleem, Gulf Today

It is only in the time of crisis that true leaders shine.

While Denmark's Christian Eriksen had to be revived by medics during the Euro 2020 match on Saturday, the captain of the team Simon Kjaer, shone through the dark moment like a star. 

A captain who had started his day expecting to see his team win, was in absolute misery to see the most important player, Eriksen, in that condition.

Not just because he was the captain, but as a team player he was the first to stand beside Erickson to perform CPR.

 Denmark's defender Simon Kjaer observes as paramedics attend to Denmark's midfielder Christian Eriksen.

While other team mates and fans were in tears, Kjaer showed a strong front and held himself beautifully to be able to give everyone the necessary comfort in such testing times.

Understanding the gravity of the situation he quickly urged his teammates to forma human chain to save the situation from unnecessary media glare.

Simon Kjaer also went to comfort Eriksen's stricken partner Sabrina Kvist Jensen by the side of the pitch

He showed true leadership qualities in such a devastating moment.

 Denmark's goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel (R) and Denmark's defender Simon Kjaer (C) comfort Sabrina Kvist Jensen.

His calm and composed nature to handle the difficult moment with ease and act mindfully, is a sure proof that the team does not just have a captain but has a real life leader.

Kjaer, being such a  close friend of Eriksen's had to be withdrawn from the game after the restart.

"Simon was deeply, deeply affected. Deeply affected. He was in doubt whether he could continue and gave it a shot, but it could not be done," the coach Hjulmand explained.