Chris Sutton says Eric Dier is not as good a passer as Michael Carrick

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Manchester United’s Michael Carrick and Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier both play for England.

Former Chelsea and Celtic striker Chris Sutton said on The Monday Night Club show on BBC Radio 5 live on Monday evening (January 4) that Eric Dier is not as good a passer of the ball as Michael Carrick.

“Dier would anchor the midfield,” said Sutton when asked to pick a youthful England team for the Euro 2016 finals in the summer. “That’s his position.

“I think he said last season that he prefers playing centre-half, but he is not as nice a passer as somebody like Carrick, but he could do a job.”

Dier is on the books of Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and is rated as one of the best young players in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old, who joined Spurs from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2014, is a versatile footballer who can play as right-back, centre-back or defensive midfielder.

The England international is playing predominantly in a holding role in midfield this season and is doing pretty well.

In 19 Premier League appearances for Spurs so far this season, Dier has goals three goals, created five chances, has a pass accuracy of 83% and a shot accuracy of 50%, and has won 43 headers, four dribbles and 33 tackles.

Carrick has been at Manchester United since 2006 and is a veteran of the game at 34.

The England international midfielder is a brilliant passer of the ball and is an important player for the Red Devils under manager Louis van Gaal.

In 16 Premier League games for United so far this campaign, Carrick has created six chances, has a pass accuracy of 88%, and has won six headers, three dribbles and 14 tackles.