Eric Dier was given a chance back in Tottenham Hotspur’s starting line-up on Tuesday night.
Dier was out for a chunk of last season as he suffered with appendicitis and tonsillitis, and the Spurs man also missed pre-season this term.
It has left the England international way down the pecking order at Tottenham, and he now faces a huge fight to win his place back.
Dier admits that things have been difficult for him recently, and the England international claims he feels very unlucky.
“It’s not so much injuries but I’ve been unfortunate with illness, unfortunate to miss pre-season,” he said.
“That hindered me. The most important thing is the team, trying to push on together. I need to keep working the way I am and taking my opportunities.”
Dier was given hope by Mauricio Pochettino in midweek, as he was given another chance in Tottenham’s team.
Dier wore the armband for Spurs at Colchester United, but things did not go according to plan, as the Lilywhites were dumped out on penalties.
In truth Dier was actually one of their better performers on the night, but that is very much feint praise, after what was a disastrous showing from Spurs.
Despite that defeat, there are calls for Dier to be given more chances at Tottenham from supporters, as he could offer them the steel in midfield that they have been lacking.
Spurs have been all too easy to score against this season, and if Dier can get back to his best, he would offer Pochettino’s side’s back four an excellent shield.
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