Garth Crooks has written on BBC Sport that Tottenham Hotspur star Eric Dier is not very good on the ball.
The former Tottenham forward, who now works as a pundit for BBC Sport, is pleased to see Spurs head coach Jose Mourinho make Dier a regular in central defence.
Crooks believes that the 26-year-old, who can also operate in midfield, played well for Tottenham in their win against Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League at the weekend.
According to WhoScored, Dier took one shot, had a pass accuracy of 75.8%, won one header, took 51 touches, and made two tackles, one interception and eight clearances.
Crooks wrote on BBC Sport: “However, for Saturday’s opponents Tottenham, I think Jose Mourinho may have found a permanent place for Eric Dier in his side.
“I have never fancied Dier as a midfield player because of his limitations on the ball, but his commitment, strength and combative nature are such attractive elements to Mourinho.
“In a team often described as lacking steel, the defender’s presence has become a crucial feature in the Tottenham set-up.”
Flourishing in defence
Mourinho has made Dier a regular in his team. The England international is now one of the first names on the teamsheet and is doing well in defence.
According to WhoScored, the 26-year-old has played eight times in the Premier League and once in the Europa League for Spurs so far this season.
While Crooks may think that Dier has limitations on the ball, Dier has an admirable 86.1% pass accuracy on average in the league this season, according to WhoScored.
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