Tottenham have the ‘next Jan Vertonghen’ after ‘brilliant’ player news confirmed – pundit
Noel Whelan has tipped Antonio Conte to form a formidable defensive partnership at Tottenham with Eric Dier and Cristian Romero.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Spurs duo could emulate the performances of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.
As quoted by the Evening Standard on Friday (18 February), Conte confirmed the “good news” that Dier is in contention to face Manchester City later today.
The Italian manager revealed he is looking forward to pairing the England international with Romero for only the second time in the league since his arrival.
Injury and fitness issues mean the two centre-backs have not been available at the same time.
Whelan insisted Dier has been “brilliant” for Conte and a key player at the heart of the defence.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “We’ve seen a mixed bag from Eric Dier since he’s been playing that centre-half role. There has been inconsistency in his performances.
“But again, when the new manager comes in, trust, those leadership skills, a little bit more onus is on him to be that player. I think he has risen to the challenge.
“That’s brilliant because we know there’s a great player there in him. We always felt centre-back was his best position over that defensive midfield role.
“He’s really showing Antonio Conte and the fans just how important he has been this season at the back. Dier and Romero are the two best centre-halves that Tottenham have.
“They’ve got to give them time because they’ve been in and out of the game. They have not really had that growth in that partnership.
“Hopefully, touch wood, the two of them can grow that relationship at the heart of their defence.
“I think they can be the next Vertonghen and Alderweireld. You need that consistency of two players playing together.”
Dier, 28, has made 23 appearances across all competitions for Spurs this season.
He has played nine times alongside Romero since the Argentine’s arrival.
In other news, Conte slammed after Tottenham update “no one wants to hear”.