Gabriel Agbonlahor does not feel Eric Dier good enough to start for Tottenham Hotspur
Former Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor does not feel Eric Dier is good enough to be a starter at Tottenham Hotspur if they want to be competitive.
Spurs signed the versatile defender in the summer of 2014 from Sporting CP. Over the years, the England international has been a key member of the North London side’s squad.
The 29-year-old’s current contract at Tottenham is set to expire in the summer of 2024. However, the Lilywhites are looking to further his stay. Spurs are keen to offer the centre-back a two-year extension.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Agbonlahor, who spent almost his entire playing career at Villa, is of the opinion that Dier lacks the qualities that a team like the North London side need to challenge for prestigious trophies.
“I do like Dier. But if Spurs really want to challenge for the Premier League and play in the Champions League year-in, year-out – he just isn’t the defender they need.
“He’s a certain level – and that applies for England too. He’s a decent Premier League option who would be good as a back-up. But he’s not got the pace to be a top-four player, I can tell you that for sure.”
Initially, the 29-year-old established himself as a quality defensive midfielder at Tottenham. Then, Mauricio Pochettino used him more and more in the backline.
However, the Argentine manager subsequently dropped the England international from the starting lineup towards the end of his stint at Spurs. But the arrival of Jose Mourinho saw the defender get back in the team.
Unfortunately, in recent years, Dier has been inconsistent. At the start of the current campaign, the centre-back’s form saw him get a call-up to the England squad for the 2022 World Cup.
However, overall, the North London side have been shaky at the back this season. The only seemingly reliable performer in our defence has been Cristian Romero. However, the Argentine has been injury-prone during his time with the Lilywhites.
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Tottenham evidently need an overhaul of their backline. Unfortunately, Agbonlahor is right about Dier. However, it remains to be seen whether the management will shake things up in the upcoming transfer window.
