Ledley King has told The Daily Mail that what he said to Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier about his position.
Dier has established himself in central defence for Tottenham and is also part of the England squad.
The 28-year-old is now an established centre-back, but he is also able to play in midfield, and early on his career, there was a debate over his best position.
Tottenham legend King was part of Jose Mourinho’s coaching team when Dier decided his future would be in defence, not midfield, as reported in The Daily Mail.
Ledley King on Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier
King said about Dier: “I told him playing in midfield would make him a better defender when he made the move.
“You see the game a lot easier. As someone who played a fair bit in midfield myself, I know that from centre half you are facing the game and you have a lot more time.
“In terms of him on the ball, his use of the ball, knowing when to push into midfield and what you’re leaving behind when you’re doing that, closing people down, all these little things are things you have to learn. That comes with experience, learning all the tricks.
“But having played in midfield it gives you a different feeling with players running from midfield. I felt the game became a lot easier, and Eric will feel that as well. I am really delighted he’s showing his true form and looking like a real top-class centre half.”
Important player for Spurs
In our view, Eric Dier is one of the most important players for Tottenham Hotspur.
Yes, Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte has options at the back, now but we cannot undermine the importance of the 28-year-old.
Dier is at the top of his game at the moment, and for Tottenham to achieve their objectives this season, he has to be on top of his game.
The defender has scored 11 goals and created 14 big chances in 243 appearances in the Premier League so far in his career.
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