Tim Sherwood told TalkSPORT on Wednesday morning (9.35AM) that previous “criticism” of Tottenham defender Eric Dier was misplaced – stating the England star plays under every single manager at Spurs as he shines in defence.
Dier, 28, is now in his ninth season at Tottenham. The 45-time England international has clocked up 325 appearances in all competitions. But there have been spells in which Dier has been forced to watch his Spurs side from the sidelines.
Since the arrival of Antonio Conte, Dier has been first choice. One of the first names on the team sheet. With him in the team, Spurs have won 20 of 31 league games under Conte – keeping 15 clean sheets. He has missed only three games.
Failing to keep a clean sheet in those three, Spurs managed just one late win at Leicester. So, Dier is crucial to the Spurs side with Conte at the helm. Sherwood was full of praise, when asked about the ex-Sporting Lisbon defender.
Sherwood told TalkSPORT that any past criticism of the versatile Spurs man is wrong: “Eric’s a good lad. Every manager plays him. Criticise him all you want, but he is always in the team. He is a seasoned campaigner.”
Sherwood: Criticism of Tottenham defender Dier misplaced
With the World Cup on the horizon, it is hard to make a case against Dier being included in the England side. Gareth Southgate’s men take on Italy and Germany later this month. Dier has simply got to be involved in the squad.
His form in the middle of the defence has been utterly rock solid. Meanwhile, Harry Maguire is struggling, John Stones is lacking in game time, Tyrone Mings has been stripped of the Villa captaincy and Conor Coady has joined Everton.
Forget including him in the England side, Dier is one of Southgate’s best options as things stand. Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi are impressing too. But Dier simply has to be a part of Southgate’s squad at the end of the month.
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