Eric Dier has become a reliable player says Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte
Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has showered Eric Dier with praise for becoming a reliable player for him. The England international has found his feet once again and has become a key member of the team.
Dier made his way to the N17 in the summer of 2014 from Sporting CP. It was also the year Mauricio Pochettino became Spurs’ manager. And the Argentine used the England international in the backline.
In the 2015/16 campaign, Dier was moved a bit further up the pitch. The 28-year-old played as the defensive midfielder and shined. That season saw Tottenham challenge Leicester City for the Premier League title.
Dier has since shifted back to a more defensive role. However, the England international did struggle for form on occasions under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo.
The arrival of Conte last year seems to have instilled confidence back in the defender. Dier has become the leader of Spurs’ back three under the Italian, commanding the backline effectively.
Speaking to the media via football.london, Conte has commended Dier for stepping up his game. The gaffer feels the 28-year-old has evolved into a player who gives his all in every game.
“I think the big improvement about Eric is that now he is a player who in every game is 100% focused. He is a reliable player. He’s not a player that alternates performance. Big performance or sometimes you drop. I think he’s a really reliable player. He’s providing great continuity in his role.”
Tottenham kept six clean sheets in the final 12 games in the PL last season. The North London side were vying for a top-four berth and, in the end, pipped Arsenal to the fourth spot.
Conte has improved the team a lot. Dier has formed a solid partnership with Cristian Romero and Ben Davies in the back-three. The start to the new campaign has also been impressive as Tottenham are yet to lose a game.
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Spurs face Fulham next. It will be a different challenge for our defence as Aleksander Mitrovic is a tall and strong striker. The Serbian has posed a threat to every backline he has come up against. It remains to be seen how we will fare against the Cottagers.
