‘He’s a leader’: Jermain Defoe claims £4m Tottenham player is ‘back to his best’

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Jermain Defoe has praised Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier as a ‘leader’ and added that he is now ‘back to his best’, as he told Channel 4 Sport.

The 28-year-old was back in England colours during this past week and Defoe, who is now a coach at Tottenham’s academy, thinks he ‘deserves’ his recall.

Gareth Southgate started Dier for both of England’s UEFA Nations League games, with the versatile defender playing in his usual back three role.

Despite defeat to Italy in Milan, which relegated the Three Lions from their UEFA Nations League group, and then a 3-3 draw against Germany on Monday night, Dier did reasonably well.

He wasn’t helped by the fact that he had to play alongside Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, who was under a big spotlight before a ball was kicked and he didn’t help himself by the two mistakes he made against the Germans.

Nonetheless, Dier is back in England colours and former striker Defoe is pleased to see him working his magic again.

“I think he deserves it,” said Defoe. “If you see how he has been consistent this season, how he has played under Conte, I think he’s been fantastic.

“He seems to be back to his best. He looks fit, he’s a leader and not too long ago, he was one of England’s most important players. I am happy for him.

“He has started both games (Italy and Germany). Hopefully, he goes to the World Cup confident and hopefully he will be in the squad.”

DIER PLAYING THE BEST FOOTBALL OF HIS CAREER

Heading towards Euro 2020, Dier went from being a regular with England to being pushed outside of the squad and missing out on a major tournament on home soil.

There’s no doubt that the £4 million Spurs signing (BBC Sport) would have been hurt by that moment, but sometimes it’s not about getting knocked down, but about how you get back up.

And now, with Antonio Conte in the dugout, Dier has reacted to those previous blows by now playing the best football of his career.

It could also be argued that, come the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he should be a starter for that opening game against Iran because not many other defenders are in-form like Dier.