Tony Cascarino has claimed on talkSPORT (14/11/20 at 7:10 am) that Eric Dier has been ‘one of’ Jose Mourinho’s ‘biggest achievements’ since his move to Tottenham.
The former striker also compared the revived Spurs man to Arsenal invincible Martin Keown and thinks that he has ‘without a doubt’ won over his fans.
It’s well-documented that Mourinho was always a fan of the versatile Dier before he even stepped foot into Enfield and he is now playing regularly at centre-back for the North London club.
Former Republic of Ireland international Cascarino shared his thoughts on Dier’s current situation at Tottenham compared to where he was before Mourinho walked through the doors.
“He really lost his way at Tottenham,” said Cascarino. “The fans couldn’t work out is he a midfielder or is he a centre-half? I think that debate has now ended because of his performances at centre-half and the manager has chosen to play him in that position alongside Alderweireld.
“His performances have said everything about him this year. He is playing the best football that I have seen him play, certainly at Spurs, for a long time. I also think Gareth Southgate really likes him.
“It was interesting listening to Martin Keown. He was that type of player. He was a rash, he would get near you and make it hard for you. He wouldn’t give you an inch and I think Dier is learning that in his game. I think I now see that in a centre-half like he has played for Spurs this year.
“Without a doubt [he has won over the fans]. I think Mourinho is a big part of that. I think one of his biggest achievements at Spurs has been Eric Dier, so far.”
Dier isn’t just a regular at the back for Tottenham now but he is also being picked to play at centre-back by Gareth Southgate for England.
The former Sporting Lisbon player has a combative nature about his play, and given that he has played in midfield on a number of occasions, he now has a more comfortable nature to his game when bringing the ball out from the back.
But, as always, because Dier has moved from one position to the other, as soon as something goes wrong, he will find that the critics will be sharpening their knives and reminding fans that he isn’t a natural centre-back.
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