Eric Dier is a player that I get the feeling is never too far away from losing the audience, and largely because, again, many fans don’t find defending sexy. Only a few weeks ago, the Englishman was subject to wholly unreasonable abuse, which this blog rightly called out.
The truth is, that Eric has become as valuable to Mourinho as Hojbjerg or Kane. Having been identified not as a utility player, but a left centre back, we have witnessed the 26-year-old growth into a must-have player, the player Mourinho wanted at Manchester United.
For me Dier has become imperious in the air and far more switched on and comfortable with his tactical remit than I have seen him. There’s much talk beginning to emerge of Spurs winning the league, this isn’t because we score lots of goals, it’s because defensively we are finally being taken seriously.
More, please.
You do win titles first and foremost by not conceding. All top teams have great defences, whether by parking the bus or keeping possession and suffocating the opposition. Dier’s progress did stutter after a very promising start, but I blame England. Poch wanted him to be a CB but Dier wanted to be in midfield after England had him in the holding role. The problem with that was Dier’s passing range was and still is limited. This was highlighted v Chelsea. He was fifth in most successful passes to a Chelsea player (I have made that up by the way)! If he could improve his distribution he would step up a level. He also needs to lead and support his CB partner. He’s no Toby when he comes to this. I think he is important for us and I’m glad he bought into Jose’s ways, unlike Dele!
Keep proving me wrong Eric
Wouldn’t it good if social media boy turned his career round too …
We live in hope
Can’t think of a player I’d have been happier seeing turn his career around as Dier, he listened to Jose and Jose listened to him – result is he’s back on track.
Jose always liked him, the attitude and application were there, he just needed to know what his role was going to be long term and work at it, game after game after game.
It’s paying off now.
No doubting he has improved. He has more time on the ball to think and is better at defensive heading.However he still needs a wise head like Toby alongside to restrict the brain farts and suspect passing.
To keep Dier fresh for the NLD I expect Sanchez & Tanganga to play on Thursday in the EL. Rodon is ineligible and should start on Sunday after a good debut. It’s up to Sanchez to improve and keep another clean sheet to win Jose’s trust back.
Goes to show what structure and tactics can do to a player. I’d almost written off Dier and Aurier, yet both look solid these days. The Jose magic will only go so far though and it looks like Sanchez might be beyond redemption. Poch’s deficiencies have been brought into sharp focus.
This is the kind of confirmation bias that Im talking about.
Eric Dier. Who’d have thought it.
Dier has grown in confidence due to the manager believing in him, it’s amazing what that can do to a player, for me though he still has moments in his game that make me wince .
By the way the FA Cup draw has been made, maybe that Bruce bloke could guide you to a fantastic piece in the Mail today, instead of the usual.
Yes whilst there are exceptions to the rule never like Keepers being captains!
Perhaps he should be handed the Captains armband?!!
Perhaps he should be handed the Captains armband?!!
Dier has been immense this season & fully deserves the plaudits he’s receiving. He’s one of the more vocal in the squad & another leader that José likes to have throughout his teams.
THFC’s defensive unit is incredibly solid & long may it continue.
Jose was quick to point out Dier was guilty of giving the ball away against Chelsea which could have cost us the game only for Ziyech’s poor finishing in front off goal,plays better when being marshalled by Toby. I thought the abuse he received for the penalty decision against Newcastle was harsh as was the penalty costing us two more points.