Tottenham fans pan midfielder as a liability after his performance against CSKA Moscow
By Harry Sykes
Tottenham fans panned Eric Dier for his performance in their 3-1 Champions League win over CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night.
The 22-year-old stood in at centre-back due to the absence of Toby Alderweireld for an 11th consecutive match and struggled once again.
Dier, who was transformed into a midfield anchorman last season with great success, looked all at sea against the CSKA attackers and was criticised for failing to track for the visitors’ goal by Alan Dzagoev.
The England international was criticised by some supporters as a liability in the centre-half position but they claimed he looked far more comfortable when he was pushed forward into midfield following the 68th minute arrival of substitute Alderweireld.
Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
Other Spurs fans urged Pochettino to restore Dier to the midfield position that he thrived in last season as the team prepares for Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Manchester United.
Goals from Dele Alli and Harry Kane, and an own goal from CSKA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, secured victory for Spurs against CSKA on Wednesday to end a miserable Champions League campaign on a high note.
It secured Mauricio Pochettino’s side third position in their Champions League group and a place in the Europa League last 32 when the knockout stages get underway in February.
Spurs ended up as one of the four best third-placed teams in the Champions League groups, meaning they will be seeded for the last 32 of the Europa League when the draw is made next Monday.
The north Londoners cannot be match with a team from England, meaning they will avoid an all-Premier League clash against Manchester United, who qualified for the knockouts with a 2-0 win against Ukraine side Zorya on Thursday night.
Pochettino’s team will be aiming for their third consecutive win then they play at Old Trafford on Sunday, for the 2.15pm kick-off.
In other Tottenham news, the club have opened defender talks ahead of the January transfer window.