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Shearer: ‘No coincidence’ that when Tottenham ace starts, they normally win

Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images
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Alan Shearer has told the Premier League’s official website in his Team of the Week column, that it is “no coincidence” the return of Eric Dier sees Tottenham return to winning ways. Dier was superb on Saturday evening.

Since Antonio Conte arrived at the club to replace Nuno Espirito Santo, Dier has started 10 of 13 Premier League games – missing four through injuries. Spurs have picked up 21 points from the 10 games he has started.

In the three that he has missed, Spurs have lost twice – and edged past Leicester thanks to an injury-time brace from Steven Bergwijn. Dier has become absolutely instrumental to this Tottenham side, under Conte.

Even talk of an England recall is on the cards. Shearer included Dier in his TOTW – handing the £72k-a-week (Spotrac) some praise: “Dier returns from injury, Spurs win. It’s no coincidence. He’s been a key man under Conte.”

Shearer on Dier: Tottenham defender deserves England place

England take on Switzerland and the Ivory Coast towards the end of March. Now, England do have numerous options at centre-back. But Harry Maguire is far from his best, and neither is Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings.

John Stones is struggling to start due to the form of Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte. Wolves skipper Conor Coady is in excellent form, while his teammate Max Kilman might have a chance. Fikayo Tomori at Milan, too.

But of all of those options, surely, Dier is the one performing the best? His display against Manchester City came after a couple of games out – yet he was commanding, a leader. Gareth Southgate likes him, too.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Spurs player Eric Dier reac during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on February 19, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images