The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder played under the Portuguese at Sporting.
Eric Dier (C) celebrates with Christian Eriksen and Ryan Mason after scoring for Tottenham
Wednesday’s match between Tottenham Hotspur and Monaco could see Eric Dier make his first appearance for the Spurs since signing an improved contract for the North Londoners that will see him stay at White Hart Lane until 2021, and the Ligue 1 outfit’s coach is someone who is very familiar with the 22-year-old’s qualities, as quoted by ESPN.
Leonardo Jardim coached the England international when he was in charge at Sporting Lisbon three years ago, ahead of his Premier League switch in 2014, and he was quick to discuss the player ahead of his club’s visit to Wembley.
“I knew him at Sporting — he’s a tremendous athlete, a real top class player and he spent the developmental part of his career at Sporting,” Jardim is quoted as saying by ESPN. “I always knew he was going to have a good career but I hope he’s not at his best tomorrow evening.
Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim during the press conference
“He evolved his style of play when he was with me. He played two different positions: holding midfield and centre-back. It’s no surprise to me that he’s showing later in his career that he can play in two different positions and be as good in either.”
Though the Portuguese may have been eager to emphasise the role he played in Dier’s development, Spurs will only be grateful that they were able to bring him to the club for a modest £4 million sum (Mail) – he is surely worth many times that amount now.
Last season Dier was moved from defence to a defensive midfield position, and proved himself one of the best anchormen in the Premier League, going on to claim a starting spot in the England midfield in the process.
Tottenham’s Eric Dier in action with Liverpool’s James Milner
Tottenham’s faith in the youngster has been proven however with a new contract that has seen him join the club’s top earners. Dier has continued with his strong form this season, with Victor Wanyama brought to the club to compete for his position. With Mousa Dembele suspended, the pair have started each of the opening four matches.
While Jardim may have some knowledge of Dier’s style of play, Dier could certainly offer some titbits on the way the former Sporting boss likes to set his side up tactically, and Spurs will be hoping they can replicate their home performance against Monaco last year, where Erik Lamela netted a hat trick in a 4-1 win.
Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim during training
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