Antonio Conte has hinted that he may drop Eric Dier for the match against Aston Villa on Sunday night.
The Italian claimed that he has no concerns about the player’s ability as a center-back, but he would not mind resting him after recent errors.
The England defender made significant progress under Conte last season and has started this season too.
However, due to Spurs’ flurry of pre-World Cup games in a short period of time, the overworked Dier began to make errors and lose consistency within a struggling backline.
He was at fault against Brentford when his wild sliced clearance gifted the hosts the corner from which Ivan Toney scored their second goal.
And when asked about Dier’s dip in form, Conte narrated his time as a player as an example to defend his player. He said:
“I was a player, I know there are many reasons when you are struggling with something. You are not 100 per cent physically, or mentally.”
“You are a bit tired, but this is normal, especially if you want to play at a high level.
“Honestly I’m not worried because I know Eric’s capacity and what Eric can do with us. It can be that you have a period where you have to recover mental or physical energy but I am not worried. I have the other defenders that also give me the possibility to make rotations. If I see situations where I need to make rotations.”
Eric Dier has come under criticism for his performances lately but he is not the main problem.
Spurs have been starting the games slow and have conceded the first game in their last 9 consecutive games which have left fans and players both frustrated with Dejan Kulusevski also publicly showing his annoyance after the Brentford draw.
Some pundits have blamed Conte’s style of play as the reason for their uninspiring performances but Conte’s methods are tried and tested and he will not change the style that has won him trophies at almost every club he has managed.
