Eric Dier could drop back into defence to replace the injured Toby Alderweireld.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has hinted to The Guardian that Eric Dier could be used as a replacement for Toby Alderweireld against Bayer Leverkusen.
Spurs’ unbeaten start to the Premier League season remains intact after a 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, where Dele Alli’s late equaliser cancelled out an opener from ex-Tottenham ace Nacer Chadli.
Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld is stretchered off after sustaining an injury
Manager Mauricio Pochettino will have been delighted with the character his players showed to come from behind and claim a point at a tough away ground, but Toby Alderweireld’s injury is cause for concern.
The Belgian centre back was stretched off with a knee injury in the second half, and has been ruled out of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen as Spurs run tests on his injury.
Alderweireld’s injury is a major blow, not only because of how impressive he has been since signing from Atletico Madrid in 2015, but also for the impact he has had on fellow defender Jan Vertonghen.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
Having played together with Ajax and Belgium, it was no surprise that Alderweireld and Vertonghen struck up such an impressive partnership – but now, Pochettino has to consider who to play in Alderweireld’s place.
Austrian international Kevin Wimmer filled in for Vertonghen during his injury layoff last season, whilst teenage centre back Cameron Carter-Vickers is highly rated by manager Pochettino.
Ultimately though, it was Eric Dier who came on for Alderweireld on Saturday, and he may be Pochettino’s replacement of choice despite having spent most of the last year in holding midfield.
Tottenham’s Eric Dier during training
Speaking to The Guardian, Pochettino hinted that Dier could be given the nod for Tuesday’s game against Leverkusen, with his versatility very important – but the Argentinian did note that he has other options in mind too.
“The good thing about Eric is he can play like a midfielder and a centre-back, and can perform good in several positions,” Pochettino said. “That is important and we will see about the decision for Tuesday. It is one option more that we have,” he added.
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