Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier has been criticised heavily for his performances at the back this season.
Former Aston Villa striker Ian McInally believes that the 29-year-old England international simply does not have the attributes to play as a central defender and Antonio Conte should look to play him in a more natural role.
McInally claimed that Dier is a holding midfielder and Tottenham should look to use him in that position if they want him to perform at a high level.
He told Sky Sports: “Eric Dier, for me, is not a centre-back. I don’t get that. I just haven’t got it, so I think there’s a big problem defensively if Conte thinks he’s a centre-back. If you’re going to play Eric Dier, he’s a holding midfield player tops, maximum.
“He’s done as good as he can because I don’t think he knows where any danger is and I don’t like him in any back four or back three.
“I’ve never spoken to Eric Dier, I couldn’t ask him and say ‘big man, tell me your favourite position, tell me where you want to play’. If I ask him that and he tells me ‘centre back’, then he’s not going to be at Spurs much longer.”
The defence has been a major concern for Tottenham in recent months and they will look to bring in reinforcements at the end of the season. Spurs have been linked with a number of central defenders and it remains to be seen whether they can address their weaknesses at the back.
Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez have been largely underwhelming and Conde must prioritize the signing of a top-class partner for Cristian Romero at the end of the season.
Spurs will be hoping to challenge for major trophies in the coming seasons and they cannot hope to do so with a leaky defence.
As for Dier, he will be hoping to improve on his recent displays and help Tottenham finish the season strongly. The Londoners will be desperate to secure a top-four finish and qualify for the Champions league.
Missing out on the Champions League could throw their transfer plans into disarray.
