Paul Walsh has criticised Tottenham’s Eric Dier after his performance against CSKA Moscow.
Pundit and former Spurs striker Paul Walsh told Sky Sports Soccer Special (07/12/2016) that he thinks Eric Dier could struggle to get back into the Tottenham team now Toby Alderweireld is back.
Spurs ended their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 win over CSKA Moscow on Wednesday evening, as Dele Alli and Harry Kane cancelled out Alan Dzagoev’s opener, before an Igor Akinfeev own goal sealed the win.
After a miserable Champions League campaign, which ended in early elimination after a 2-1 defeat at Monaco last month, Spurs ended on an impressive win which sent them into the Europa League.
Tottenham’s Eric Dier in action with CSKA Moscow’s Lacina Traore
Mauricio Pochettino will have taken plenty of positives from the game, but one potential negative was the performance of England international Eric Dier.
The 22-year-old starred in holding midfield last season, but has struggled to replicate his form this season, particularly flattering to deceive when played at centre back in the absence of Toby Alderweireld.
Tottenham’s Eric Dier looks dejected against Monaco
Dier hasn’t look entirely comfortable alongside Jan Vertonghen in the heart of defence, and was caught out of position for Dzagoev’s opening goal for CSKA on Wednesday.
After Wednesday’s game, former Spurs striker and current pundit Paul Walsh spoke to Sky Sports Soccer Special (07/12/2016), and suggested that Dier might be playing with a lack of confidence as he’s playing with in decision right now.
Belgian international Alderweireld is now back from injury to take his spot in the centre of defence, but with Victor Wanyama impressing in midfield, Walsh thinks Dier may not get back into the Spurs team.
Tottenham’s Eric Dier looks dejected
“They still look vulnerable at the back,” said Walsh. “With Eric Dier, I don’t know if he’s playing with a lack of confidence, but he got caught ball watching for the goal, he’s stepping up at times when he maybe needs to drop off and fill the space. He’s gambling a little bit too often and he’s playing with indecision.”
“In the games where Tottenham feel that they’re going to have more of the ball, I think that Dier might struggle to get in the team. Pochettino will go with the one anchor, which will be Wanyama, and then it will be more attack-minded players. In the bigger games, he might just go with Dier and Wanyama, just to keep an extra defensive feel about midfield. I think his position is a little bit under threat,” he added.
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