Former Tottenham Hotspur striker and current academy coach for the club, Jermain Defoe has been heaping praise on Spurs defender Eric Dier, and claims the 28-year-old is ‘back to his best’.
Dier has become a key figurehead in Antonio Conte’s Tottenham side and a linchpin in the back three of the Italian’s system. While the defender has been criticised in the past for being error-prone, he now appears more composed than ever.
Last season, Dier made 35 league appearances and kept 16 clean sheets (PremierLeague.com) as Spurs claimed a top-four spot.
This term, Dier has gone from strength to strength. Not only is he putting in solid displays at the back, but he has also contributed two goals to the cause (Transfermarkt).
His recent form has seen Dier reclaim his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad after 18 months away from the national team set-up. With two more caps under his belt during the recent international break, Dier could be set for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
According to Spurs legend Defoe during the coverage of England vs Germany on Monday night (Channel 4 – 26/09/2022, 19:00), we are seeing Dier at the top of his game currently.
He said: “I think he deserves [the recall]. If you see how he has been consistent this season, how he has played under Conte, I think he’s been fantastic.
“He seems to be back to his best. He looks fit, he’s a leader and not too long ago, he was one of England’s most important players. I am happy for him.
“He has started both games (Italy and Germany). Hopefully, he goes to the World Cup confident and hopefully he will be in the squad.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Eric Dier has improved so much over the last year and is now a crucial part of Antonio Conte’s project at Spurs. He has grown in stature as a leader on the pitch, he’s developed many aspects of his game, and he’s even scoring goals now.
If Dier doesn’t go to the World Cup, I would be very shocked and very disappointed, as he’s arguably England’s most in-form centre-back at the moment.
Have something to tell us about this article?
