Conte has ‘lost the plot’ after what I just heard him say about one Tottenham player – pundit
Frank McAvennie has slammed Antonio Conte’s latest comments on Tottenham defender Eric Dier.
The former West Ham hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claims the Spurs manager has lost the plot.
Conte was quoted by Sky Sports (22 December) as claiming Dier can become one of the best central defenders in the world.
Dier, 27, has made 18 appearances this season, featuring in all of Tottenham’s Premier League games.
McAvennie claims Dier isn’t on the same level as Virgil van Dijk and criticised Conte for giving the player “ideas above his station”.
“Conte has been saying Eric Dier can be a world-class centre-back,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“I was thinking ‘are you off your head?’. He’s not watching the same games I’m watching.
“I’m not saying the boy isn’t a good player but don’t come out with all that nonsense.
“He’s not Virgil van Dijk, is he? The manager can’t come out and say that, it’s just not true.
“I know it’s Christmas, is someone sprinkling fairy dust on Conte? He’s lost the plot.
“I’m sure Dier can be alright on his day. But he doesn’t need to hear all this about him being world-class.
“Don’t give the boy ideas above his station. I don’t think that can do him any good.”
Dier has made 297 appearances for Tottenham.
He has scored 11 goals and registered 11 assists during his Spurs career.
In other news, an Insider has told Football Insider how Tottenham are working on a deal to sign “unbelievable” player in January.