This may be secret behind Dier ‘transformation’ at Tottenham – pundit
Tottenham defender Eric Dier “is transformed” under Antonio Conte, according to Kevin Phillips.
The 2000 European Golden Shoe winner, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, believes the intensity of training is behind the 27-year-old’s upturn in form.
Dier started Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Boxing Day – his 12th consecutive league start.
The centre-half completed 94.1 per cent of his passes over the course of the 90 minutes, with all six of his long balls finding their target. (WhoScored)
Speaking to club media (21 December), Antonio Conte said Dier has the potential to become “one of the best central defenders in the world.”
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of Dier’s form under the Italian manager, Phillips said: “Dier is transformed.
“He’s played eight games under Conte now at centre-half and he’s looked very impressive.
“I’ll be honest, I’m not so sure about Conte saying he could be one of the best centre-backs in the world but he has certainly got confidence in him and it is showing on the pitch.
“A lot of that team look better since Conte has come in. I think that is a result of the of intensity of training going up a few notches. Their performances are reflective of their manager on the touchline.
“There are some really promising signs for Spurs at the moment. Conte is getting the best out of the players that he’s got.”
In other news, a Tottenham insider has claimed ‘big clubs are looking’ after source update on dazzling teenager.