The Tottenham Hotspur star spent 18 months on loan at Finch Farm.
England’s Eric Dier celebrates after scoring their first goal
Tottenham Hotspur and England star Eric Dier has been discussing his career to date. He wrote for the Players’ Tribune this week and spoke about the lowest points in his football career.
Including a spell at Everton.
Dier came through the youth system at Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon and was quickly recognised as a top English talent.
Everton decided to bring him in on loan in January 2011, with Dier eventually spending 18 months at the club.
But he admitted that he struggled with the move to Finch Farm and did not really understand why he was even at the club:
“My hardest times came before I joined Tottenham. At 16, there was a period when I went on loan to Everton, and that was extremely tough for me.
“I moved on my own from Lisbon to Liverpool, and for the first six months I didn’t know what I was doing there — I felt completely lost. At that age, you doubt yourself.
“You give so much to football but you don’t know if it’s going to give anything back. It’s sort of a lottery.”
Tottenham’s Eric Dier in action with Southampton’s Dusan Tadic
Dier of course went on to establish himself at Sporting Lisbon, before making a move to Tottenham in 2014.
Now a regular starter for both Tottenham and England there is little doubt that Everton fans must wonder why the club didn’t do more to keep hold of Dier at the end of his loan spell at the club.
His time at Everton has however helped shape him into the player he is today, which undoubtedly pleases Tottenham fans, who are reaping the benefits.
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