Eric Dier: Pundit issues ‘desperately important’ Tottenham verdict
Eric Dier’s swift return is “desperately important” for a struggling Tottenham side, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 28-year-old has improved since the appointment of Antonio Conte.
Dier has played just once in all competitions since New Year’s Day after suffering a thigh issue.
Conte, as quoted by football.london on 12 February, revealed he “hopes to have him available” for the clash against Man City on Saturday (19 February).
Whelan insisted the 45-cap England international “makes a real difference” to the Spurs rearguard.
“They’re missing a really quality player in Dier,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s come in for a lot of slack over the years, but he’s been converted from a midfield role into a centre-half.
“He’s definitely got the attributes to play there. He’s an England international in the English league, so he’s going to come in for criticism even if he’s playing next to other defenders who can also make mistakes.
“That being said, you can really see the improvement in Dier’s game since Conte has come in at Tottenham. That’s the key now for Tottenham, keeping him fit.
“It’s desperately important from their perspective to get these characters and leaders like him back fit and in the side to try and slow down this slide.”
“He makes a real difference to that Spurs defence.”
Tottenham have lost each of their last three league games, conceding seven goals in the process.
The north London club sit eighth in the Premier League, five points adrift of Champions League qualification.
In other news, Tottenham insider reminded of “Dimitar Berbatov” by hardly-seen Spurs player.