Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that he has disagreed with Eric Dier about his best position in the Tottenham team.
Dier is convinced that he is more adept in the midfield anchorman role where he made his name in the 2015-16 season as Spurs finished third in the league after challenging strongly for the title.
But the Argentine explained in his new book Brave New World: Inside Pochettino’s Spurs that he has a different perspective and that the England international can be the best centre-back in England.
Pochettino said, as quoted by ESPN FC: “Eric thinks he’s further ahead as a midfielder than as a defender. We had a long chat about that because I disagree. I’ve told Eric he has what it takes to be the best English centre-back but he has to be convinced of that himself.”
OPINION
Many Spurs fans are unconvinced about Dier in defence. They believe he makes too many errors and is a level below first-choice trio Toby Alderweireld, Davison Sanchez and Jan Vertonghen. But former centre-back Pochettino knows the role better than most and has an excellent track record in not only developing players but also in moulding a back line. Dier has played in defence in each of Tottenham’s last three matches against Manchester United, Real Madrid and Palace. He has kept pace with speedsters such as Marcus Rashford and Wilfried Zaha and looked more solid than he ever has in the role. There have been a few blips, such as when a mix-up with Vertonghen allowed Anthony Martial to score the winner at Old Trafford, but the improvement in Dier’s game is clear.