Thomas Tuchel says Eric Dier’s ‘sensationally good character’ was a key reason why Bayern Munich opted to bring in the defender from Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur.
Now, the experienced England international might not have been Bayern’s first-choice centre-back target. That honour seemingly belongs to Radu Dragusin, the £26 million powerhouse who’s eventual arrival at Tottenham Hotspur paved the way, rather ironically, for Eric Dier’s departure to Germany.
But, as far as Thomas Tuchel is concerned, the long-serving Spurs ace is a fine consolation.
Eric Dier joins Harry Kane at Bayern Munich
Dier joins the Bavarian giants on loan, with an option-to-buy clause set at around £3.5 million. And while some have accused the 29-year-old of ‘failing upwards’ – ending up at one of the planet’s biggest clubs after falling out of favour in North London – Tuchel clearly does not see the one-time Everton man as an underwhelming alternative to Dragusin.
“He can help us immediately,” Tuchel explains to DAZN. “Firstly, because he’s in top shape and secondly because – with over 300 Premier League appearances under his belt – he’s a sensationally good character. He’s very strong in the air on both sides of the pitch.”
Dier did not make his Bayern debut in Friday’s 3-0 victory over Hoffenheim, however, a match in which his former Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane found the net.
“He only signed (on Thursday) night,” Tuchel explains. “(Giving him his debut so soon) would have caused too much excitement.
“That’s why we didn’t do it. We have to be patient.”
Tottenham Hotspur departure confirmed
Dier, the former Chelsea boss adds, will be Bayern’s third-choice centre-half, behind summer signing Kim Min-Jae and the Arsenal-linked Matthijs de Ligt.
HITC Football understands that Dier’s versatility was another key factor in his addition. Though he hasn’t played in defensive midfield for some time now, Bayern obviously feel that he could be utilised in such a role, especially after seemingly accepting defeat in their long-running pursuit of Fulham’s ball-winning monster Joao Palhinha.
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