What it takes to be a real captain

What is the point of the captain's role in football? To exchange team's pennants, shake hands and predict which way the coin toss' outcome? To wear the armband that gives you the right to whine to match officials? No. Being the captain is so much more. Case in point: Denmark skipper Simon Kjaer.

When Christian Eriksen's heart stopped during the match on Saturday, Kjaer was the first to the rescue. The strong defender sprinted to his troubled friend before most of the onlookers have even realised something was seriously wrong.

Kjaer runs to Eriksen just a few seconds after he'd collapsed (©AFP)

His first actions were to turn Eriksen on his side, hold his head and open his mouth to prevent the 29-year-old midfielder from swallowing his tongue before the medical staff arrived.

When doctor Morten Boesen arrived to begin the resuscitation process, Kjaer called the rest of the Denmark team to form a ring and protect their friend from curious eyes and cameras.

Kjaer and Eriksen are close friends. They play for rival clubs in the city of Milan, and their families are very close. As Christian's partner Sabrina Kvist descended onto the pitch in a state of shock, Simon was quick to rush to her, offer her support and tell her that her man is breathing when many have feared the worst.

Simon consoling Sabrina Kvist (©AFP)

Thankfully, Eriksen's state had improved enough for the player to be taken to the nearby hospital, where he was fully stabilised.

The Denmark players would later receive a video call in which Eriksen said to them that he was feeling alright and encouraged them to get on with the match.

It's probably when everything that has happened has caught up with Captain Simon. As the players emerged back to warm up and resume the game, Kjaer was visibly shaken and distraught. He admitted that his legs felt heavy after such traumatic events. He was substituted ten minutes after the match had restarted as he kept thinking about his friend.

The day after the match, Kjaer was still feeling in a state of shock, with Eriksen's well-being the only thing in his mind.

This wasn't the first time Kjaer was quick to jump to his teammate's aid. Ten years ago, while playing for AS Roma, Simon helped his Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg after being left unconscious on the ground following a collision with an opposition player.

Simon Kjaer helping Maarten Stekelenburg in 2011 (©Gallo Images)

Christian Eriksen has survived a cardiac arrest thanks to quick reactions from doctors in Copenhagen and his fellow player, his captain.

On Saturday, Simon Kjaer showed the true meaning of the role. To lead, to organise, to stand up to hardship and lead by example. To make sacrifices beyond the call of duty - on the pitch and off it.