K-League XI coach Kim Sang-Sik was full of praise for Heung-Min Son, Harry Kane and the ‘amazing’ Eric Dier following Tottenham Hotspur’s 6-3 pre-season victory on Wednesday, speaking to FN News and SpoTV.
Who are you and what have you done with Eric Dier? If any moment summed up the remarkable transformation of the once-maligned central defender since Antonio Conte stormed onto the Spurs stage last year, it was this.
Striding out of defence before lashing a thunderbolt into the top corner with his unfavoured left boot; This was the Eric Dier Tottenham fans thought they were getting during the heady days of the Mauricio Pochettino era. Spurs’ captain for the day, with a captain’s moment.
“The defender Eric Dier is really amazing,” said Kim, paying tribute to a man who has found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons far too often in recent seasons. “His physique, speed, and defensive ability.”
Tottenham rack up the goals in South Korea
Not to be outdone, Harry Kane certainly made his mark on proceedings too. Tottenham’s number ten – free from the distraction of a long-running transfer saga this time around – stepped off the bench to score with two typically laser-driven efforts. He grabbed an assist-of-sorts too, forcing an own goal with a teasing cross.
South Korean superstar Son was never going to let such an occasion pass him by either, thrilling the home support with a brace of his own.
“It was a special day for fans who like football; Fans who like Tottenham, fans who like Heung-min Son, and fans who love the K League,” adds Kim.
“It was impressive that both Son Heung-min and Kane’s shots went to the goal. (Kane) is a world-class player. Son and Kane were, of course, impressive, and Eric Dier was the best.”
There was also a promising debut for new £60 million record-signing Richarlison in Seoul. Forgotten man Bryan Gil offered a timely reminder of his mercurial talent too.
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