Troy Deeney has told talkSPORT (16/11/20 at 8:20 am) that he’s ‘not convinced’ with Tottenham’s Eric Dier being a centre-half following his recent showing for England.
The Watford striker claimed that the Spurs man is ‘more suited as a midfielder’ but he doesn’t think he is ‘comfortable’ playing at the heart of a defence.
Dier, 26, was at fault for the opening goal England conceded during their 2-0 defeat in Belgium when his wayward pass into midfield was pounced on by the opposition.
But Deeney, who would have faced Dier on a number of occasions at club level, shared his thoughts on the North London-based player playing at the back.
“Based on [the Belgium game] you have to look at it and go I am still not convinced with Eric Dier as a centre-half,” said Deeney. “I think he’s more suited as a midfielder.
“He might feel like he’s a centre-half but I think Kyle Walker in a three gives you that pace. He is always going to do well recovery-wise. Tyrone Mings offers you balance because he’s a left-footed centre-half.
“But the centre of the three. It doesn’t strike to me that he [Dier] is comfortable there. I am not trying to dig him out because he’s a great player but I would like to see him as a holding player.”
Throughout his career, Dier has been used in various positions and even towards the back end of Mauricio Pochettino’s reign, he lost his way.
But the arrival of Jose Mourinho has helped revive his previously stumbling career and it has seen him become a regular, both at the back for club and country once again.
Given that Dier isn’t seen as a natural centre-half, he will be criticised that little bit more when he does make a mistake.
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