The Tottenham Hotspur manager has utilised a variety of different systems this season.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino spoke to reporters during his pre-match press conference, and discussed how Eric Dier’s game has evolved since his move to the club in the summer of 2014, as quoted by the Independent.
The 23-year-old has gone on to establish himself as a vitally important player for both club and country during that 30 month period, but rumours have surfaced this week regarding his future at Tottenham, with Manchester United thought to be keen on obtaining his signature (Daily Mail).
The former Sporting Lisbon man’s performances often go under the radar, as he completes his duties with little fuss, but Pochettino took the credit for the manner in which he has progressed as a player, telling reporters how he created a system to fit Dier’s game, as quoted by the Independent:
“We signed Dier as a player with potential. We provided all the tools to be a Premier League player. My first game in charge against West Ham, he started as a centre back then moved to full-back. That season, he played like a full back, like a centre back but never as a midfielder. Then in the summer, we were looking for a midfielder and we had plenty of options to buy one, but I decided to play Eric in midfield. I created a system that he felt comfortable in. He played like a midfielder without the ball, but with the ball he was a third centre back.”
Tottenham’s Eric Dier in action
Dier has played mostly as a centre-back this season, with Pochettino opting to play three at the back on a more regular basis.
And his chances of playing in midfield appear to be limited, after the acquisition of the impressive Victor Wanyama in the summer of 2016.
The Lilywhites are currently in second position in the Premier League table, albeit a distant 10 points adrift of league leaders Chelsea.
And if they are to close the gap on the Blues over the next couple of seasons, it will be of paramount importance to keep the likes of Eric Dier at the club.
Tottenham’s Eric Dier
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