Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast, Sam Allardyce has been discussing the England World Cup squad and some key players.
Gareth Southgate is set to name his 26-man squad later this month, and while the England manager is now allowed to choose 26 players rather than 23, Allardyce says that there is still a lot of room for versatile players in this squad.
With injuries, suspensions and a lack of form all having the ability to affect any player’s tournament at any given moment, having a team packed full of players who can fill-in in numerous roles is important.
Kieran Trippier has been a key player under Southgate due to his ability to play on the right or the left, and Allardyce believes that England have another player in that mould in the shape of Eric Dier – who is able to play in defence or in midfield.
Dier’s versatility
Allardyce compared Dier to Trippier due to his versatility.
“He’s (Trippier) on top of his game with Newcastle now and he won the league in Spain. The beauty of him is that he can play at left-back as well,” Allardyce said.
“You mention Trippier being able to play in a variety of positions, how important is it for a squad to have those players?” Allardyce was asked.
“I think it’s very important, but it’s a bit like Eric Dier. He’s the same, he can play at central midfield and at centre-back,” Allardyce said.
Important trait
At international tournaments having the odd versatile player is so important.
You can never account for anything in these situations, and while, in an ideal world, Dier wouldn’t be used as a midfielder, injuries and suspensions can decimate a team.
If it comes to it, England will be grateful that they have a player like Dier who can be used in multiple positions, and for that reason, he should be on the plane to Qatar.
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