Tottenham Hotspur star Eric Dier relishing defensive role under manager Antonio Conte
According to the Evening Standard, Tottenham Hotspur star Eric Dier said he was enjoying the defensive responsibilities being given to him by manager Antonio Conte.
Dier helped his side to a 3-2 win over defending champions Manchester City the previous weekend, with the Englishman playing his first game since his return from injury.
The defender said he loved to be a leader at the back, as it complemented his abilities to organise the rearguard and maintain the team’s shape on the pitch.
“It’s very important in that position to lead the defence as much as possible, lead the team as much as possible, be very vocal and organise well. I’m trying to do that to the best of my ability.”
The win against City leaves Spurs in eighth place, picking up three very important points away from home as they look to climb back up the Premier League table by using the previous weekend’s game as a platform to kick on.
Natural leader
Dier’s return seemed to make the difference for Conte’s side, as the team headed into the City clash after three consecutive league defeats. The England international may have conceded two goals against the Cityzens, but his presence at the back ensured that they broke their losing streak.
The 28-year-old credited Conte for giving him the confidence to lead the team and said that he enjoyed playing in the Italian’s preferred system of three defenders at the back. Conte’s arrival certainly seems to have given the team a boost in terms of their performances.
“Ever since I’ve arrived I’ve always tried to implement all the skills I have. I think [leadership] is definitely one of them. It’s coming to the forefront a bit more now. I’m really enjoying working under the manager and the confidence he has given me, and I’m really enjoying the role [in the middle of the back three] and the way I’m playing in it.”
Conte will be buzzing to have Dier back, given that Spurs have been in terrible form in the league since his injury. A hat-trick of losses in the defender’s absence showed just how much he was missed.
At 28, the player is entering the prime years of his career, and Conte will be delighted to have Dier fit again as he utilises the Spurs man to lead his side back up the Premier League table. With multiple games in hand, the Italian has good reason to be optimistic about sneaking into the top four of the league by the end of the season.
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2022 saw Cristian Romero and Eric Dier come back from their injuries and line up together for the first time in forever against City on Saturday, and the result was evident as Tottenham pulled off an amazing win in Manchester.
The defensive pair is arguably our best players at the back, and with both fully fit, we can hope that the team can kick on from here and put together a winning run till the end of the season.
