Eric Dier has been a divisive figure for Spurs ever since his £4m move to the club from Sporting Lisbon in 2014. However, the defender is beginning to win supporters over.
The England international has been a mainstay for the club this campaign, with Dier playing every Premier League minute since the arrival of Antonio Conte earlier in the year. And the centre-back has been impressive.
As per an analysis feature from the Athletic, Dier is evolving to almost a quarterback role for Spurs in the defence, with the 27-year-old spraying multiple long passes from the back into the attack against Liverpool last Sunday.
Indeed, Dier completed 51 of his 58 attempted passes in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against the Premier League title contenders. And the defender, who can also play in midfield, is starting to grow into his own under the Italian.
Long passes from defence was something former centre-back Toby Alderweireld was lauded for during his time with Tottenham. And it appears that Dier is being moulded into a similar role for Spurs.
After all, having a defender who can get the ball up the pitch quickly is a valuable asset. Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk has made the skill his own in recent years, with Arsenal’s Ben White also noted for his passing range.
And on social media, Spurs fans are amazed with how much Dier is developing under Conte in such a short span of time.
Spurs fans stunned by transformation of Dier
The defender has proved to be a key part of Conte’s plans at Tottenham. And supporters are pleased to see Dier evolve his game under the Italian coach.
Here’s what some Spurs fans had to say on Twitter about Dier’s new role in the system…
https://twitter.com/arunspurs/status/1473210696901013504
https://twitter.com/KalyanS69152584/status/1473202251480981504
https://twitter.com/thfclp__/status/1473230168063946758
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