Alasdair Gold has questioned whether Ange Postecoglou could potentially use Eric Dier as a number six in case there is an injury to Yves Bissouma or Oliver Skipp.
Dier has not been part of a single matchday squad so far this season under Postecoglou, which is why it perhaps came as a surprise to some that the centre-back stayed put at the club.
The Telegraph revealed on September 7 that the 29-year-old held a meeting with Daniel Levy after being overlooked by Postecoglou for the first few matches.
(Photo by Pakawich Damrongkiattisak/Getty Images)
Could Dier be used as cover for defensive midfield?
The report explained that while the details of the pair’s conversation were kept private, it was likely to do with the defender’s status in the squad and his future.
It was even asserted by Football Insider last week that Tottenham have already decided to offload Dier in January and replace him with Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo.
Gold has now opined that he simply does not see the long-serving Spurs star being capable of playing as a centre-back in Postecoglou’s system, and suggested that the Australian may perhaps consider using him in the middle of the park.
The journalist said on his YouTube channel: “Eric Dier doesn’t suit the Postecoglou system as well as he thinks he does. He’s not got the pace for that high line. He is going to struggle when the balls are knocked over his head. He will have to adapt his game to it.
“I do wonder if there is a possibility if he ends up becoming a number six again. If there is an injury to Bissouma or Skipp as well.
“I know people are just going to hate on Eric Dier because they just don’t think he is good enough. Whether that is true or not. I think the injury did play a big part for him last season as well. Do I think he fits Postecglou’s system? No.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Dier is good in possession when he has the game in front of him but he cannot receive the ball on the half-turn and lacks awareness of what is around him, which is why I do not think Ange would consider playing him in the middle of the park.
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