Conte will ‘love’ what he’s seen from transformed Dier at Tottenham – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted Eric Dier has found a new lease of life under Tottenham boss Antonio Conte.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 27-year-old is “playing the Italian way”, citing his aggressiveness and discipline.
Conte, as quoted by the Athletic (22 December), insisted the England international can be “one of the best centre-backs in the world” after his recent impressive outings.
Whelan insisted the 27-year-old looks comfortable playing under the Italian.
He also hailed the defender’s “leadership” abilities.
“He looks a lot more at home in this system under Antonio Conte,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I think everyone has seen a centre-half in him, even when he was playing in midfield. All you would hear was: ‘He’d be a great centre-half’.
“On the ball, he’s got great passing range and distribution. He’s big, powerful – he’s got the stature. It’s all about consistency for him.
“He’s found this new sense of leadership from somewhere, which is what Tottenham need in that backline with these injuries to defenders.
“I think Conte wants that, he’ll love that. Aggressive, but disciplined – that’s the Italian way. It seems to me right now that he’s taking up the mantle of being that leader at the back, and Sanchez is playing well alongside him.
“Conte has really been a breath of fresh air for Tottenham, and whatever they’re doing on the training ground is really working.”
Dier made his 300th appearance for Spurs in Tuesday’s clash with Southampton.
He has played in all seven league games in the centre-back berth under Conte, who has implemented a back-three since his arrival.
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