Paul Robinson says Tottenham player is the best ‘in the country’ in his position

Follow us on Google Discover

Paul Robinson has told Sky Sports News – as per Football Daily – that Tottenham defender Eric Dier is the best centre-back “in the country” at the moment, when discussing how England should start their World Cup opener against Iran.

Dier, 28, was called up by Gareth Southgate for the current international break and won his 46th cap against Italy in the San Siro on Friday. It comes after a wonderful bout of form under Tottenham boss Antonio Conte, in a back three.

Dier’s outing against Italy saw him win his first cap since November 2020. He could make it no.47 on Monday evening, when England host Germany. He featured in a back three with Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire, during the loss to Italy.

Dier started above the likes of Conor Coady and Fikayo Tomori. Against Germany, Tomori has been left out. Marc Guehi, Coady and John Stones are also in the squad, alongside Dier and Maguire. Robinson picked his XI to face Iran.

Robinson fielded a back four – partnering Dier and Stones. He also picked Jack Grealish in a central role, with Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling flanking Harry Kane. Robinson said Dier is the best centre-back in England, right now.

“The back two, John Stones and Eric Dier. For me, Eric Dier is the best centre-half in the country at the moment. He thoroughly deserves his place back in the England squad,” Robinson said, in a clip posted on Twitter by Football Daily.

Robinson: Tottenham defender Dier best ‘in the country’

It is hard to argue. Dier’s form comes at a time when England’s other defenders are struggling to play to their best ability, failing to play at all, or out of position. Maguire is struggling for game time and Stones is playing at right-back.

Coady has made a solid start to life at Everton but he is hardly the answer, while Guehi is improving. However, the Palace man is still learning. Perhaps, Tomori is the other centre-back in good form, but bizarrely has been left out.

As things stand, £92k-a-week Dier is the best centre-back on form. If he remains fit and continues to show what he has done so far under Conte this season, he will surely be one of the first names on the team sheet against Iran.