Former Tottenham midfielder says Eric Dier has not re-adapted to playing in defence.
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Glenn Hoddle has told BT Sport he feels Eric Dier has mentally failed to re-adapt to playing in central defence.
Dier excelled in midfield last season but with Victor Wanyama coming in his chances have been more limited.
Tottenham’s Eric Dier in action with CSKA Moscow’s Lacina Traore
With Toby Alderweireld out injured for the past few weeks, Dier has been used in defence, picked there again last night against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
He was involved in a mix-up for CSKA’s opener with neither he or partner Jan Vertonghen dealing with a long ball forward, which led to Alan Dzagoev scoring.
CSKA Moscow’s Alan Dzagoev scores their first goal
In the previous Champions League match Dier gave away a penalty in the loss to Monaco, and former Spurs player and boss Hoddle believes the 22-year-old does not look comfortable.
Hoddle told BT Sport’s coverage of Tottenham’s game with CSKA Moscow: “I look at Dier in central defence, mentally he’s still got his midfield head on.
“I’m not sure he’s mentally attuned.”
Dier was also picked out by Rio Ferdinand along with Vertonghen for their sloppy defending in the lead up to the goal.
Tottenham went onto bounce back from the goal conceded and netted through Dele Alli and Harry Kane to take the lead by half-time.
Dier’s performances in defence have been under the high standard set by Toby Alderweireld, but fortunately the Belgian is due back soon.
He was pictured in training in the lead up to last night’s match and was named on the bench last night at Wembley before coming on midway through the second half for Victor Wanyama.
Tottenham should have him back for the important Premier League game with Manchester United on Sunday, rather than have to worry about Eric Dier going up against Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld on the substitute bench before the game
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