Home » Opinion: First Dele Alli, next up for redemption must be Eric Dier

Opinion: First Dele Alli, next up for redemption must be Eric Dier

By Joe Fish -

Tottenham Hotspur have no plans to make a move for Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The Serbian had twice been signed by Jose Mourinho before and had been tipped to follow ‘The Special One’ to Spurs in the January transfer window.

Matic had even liked an Instagram post predicting a Mourinho reunion.

However, MEN understands that Mourinho has no plans to add Matic to a midfield unit which already includes Eric Dier, Harry Winks, Moussa Sissoko, Victor Wanyama, Oliver Skipp and Tanguy Ndombele.

If anything, that midfield needs streamlining before we invest in it, and Matic is not the type of player who would come in and improve us.

MORE: Opinion – Has Mourinho Just Saved Levy £20m Wasted?

The 31-year-old has been a key component in two Chelsea title-winning teams but is now a spent force and is being kept out of the United side by the hugely underwhelming partnership of Fred and Scott McTominay.

Matic lacks the mobility to get around the field like the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders do – N’Golo Kante, Wilfried Ndidi and Fabinho.

We already have a big bruiser in the shape of Dier who looks poised to be a key figure under Mourinho, having started all three games since his arrival. As MEN details, Dier was in fact a Mourinho target at United before he signed Matic in 2017, so seemingly he thinks the Englishman is an upgrade.

Dier’s performances under both Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino this season have been worrying, but his confidence and fitness must be at an all-time low after a long spell out of the team through injury and illness.

We have seen what Jose has done for Dele Alli and I would much prefer the new manager to give Dier the time and opportunity to have the same renaissance than to waste wages on a short-term option like Matic.

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Steve KillerCushion Williams
Steve KillerCushion Williams
4 years ago
Reply to  Marbella Spur

Reports are lo celso is unhappy and will go back.. He struggling to start under maureens set up… Jose likes a good bruiser in front protecting his back line.. Remember one of diers first games for us against the chavs, he was right back.. In first few minutes he nearly destroyed diego costa with a brutal crunching totally legal tackle he got the ball and nearly killed him.. Hard to tame Diego Costa. He was a mouse for that game after that tackle.

Steve KillerCushion Williams
Steve KillerCushion Williams
4 years ago
Reply to 

Yeah hes a natural centre back thats where he learnt his trade.. Everyones got a favorite/most suited position. This may change throughout anyones career but everyone knows what they personally like the best. Dier is a centre back. He played for sporting for 1 season as a defensive midfielder as a teen and when he came here poch fully converted him. He may prefer defensive midfield but thats not his best. I dont think he has enough pace to sweep effectively, unless ndombele or sissoko covers him, his distribution not rangey enough nor quick enough.. I like dier i hope he can get back on track

Anonymous
Anonymous
4 years ago

Hard to see Dier recapturing his 2015/16 form the way he’s currently playing. Always thought he was work in progress as a DM, but his versatility was crucial with our limited squad depth. Jack of all trades, master of none in my opinion.

Marbella Spur
Marbella Spur
4 years ago

Is Lo Celso not worth a mention as a midfield player? I think Dier is just as immobile as Matic. He’s never been quick round the pitch. I cannot see what Mourinho sees in him.

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