Eric Dier has been speaking to Sport TV about his former side Sporting Lisbon, where he also made a comment about an old Tottenham teammate.
What’s the story?
Well, the England international was discussing the Primeira Liga title race between Porto, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica.
In regards to the latter, Jan Vertonghen was mentioned, as the ex-Spurs man now plays for Benfica after leaving N17 in 2020.
The Belgium international – who racked up 315 appearances for Tottenham – joined Benfica on a free transfer while José Mourinho held the reigns in north London.
Speaking about what it’s like to see Vertonghen playing for another side, A Bola quote Dier as saying: “I watch Sporting whenever I can and I also watch a lot of Portuguese league games. I have friends playing in several teams, like Vertonghen, who was here and is now at Benfica. That’s why sometimes I watch his games, but it’s hard for me to see him in a Benfica shirt.”
It’s been nearly two years now since the 34-year-old joined Benfica, but Dier is clearly still struggling to process his departure.
Tottenham have found Vertonghen replacement to partner Dier
While Dier clearly misses Vertonghen, he has a new partner in crime at the back – Cristian Romero.
It may have taken a while to find another quality centre-back, with the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Joe Rodon failing to impose themselves, but Spurs have finally done it.
The Argentine is a solid defender, who also possesses the guile and craft to suit the modern game – he could play in any era of football.
Romero certainly didn’t come cheap at £42.5m, but he may be the long-term replacement for Vertonghen that Spurs fans were desperate for.
Now, if Dier continues his resurgence under Antonio Conte, he and Romero could well live up to the heights of Toby Alderweireld and Vertonghen.
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