Graham Roberts believes that Tottenham ace Eric Dier looked back to his best on Wednesday night as he helped his side beat Real Madrid.
Spurs recorded a thrilling 3-1 win over the Spanish giants at Wembley and booked their place in the Champions League knockout rounds as a result.
Dele Alli starred for the North London club as he scored twice and Christian Eriksen also got on the scoresheet, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal turned out to be a mere consolation.
Dier had an eventful night for Spurs and he started the game as a central midfielder alongside Harry Winks.
However, the versatile ace was moved back into defence by manager Mauricio Pochettino when Toby Alderweireld was forced off in the first-half through injury.
The England international put in a solid display in defence and managed to limit a Madrid side that have won the Champions League crown in the last two consecutive seasons.
Roberts hailed the performance of Dier on the European stage and feels he made a seamless transition into defence.
“Eric Dier superb last night and when moved to the back superb also in a 3 well done mate back to your best,” Roberts wrote on his personal Twitter account.
@ericdier superb last night and when moved to the back superb also in a 3 well done mate back to your best ?
— Graham Roberts (@GrahamRoberts4) November 2, 2017
OPINION
Dier is certainly a crucial member of the Spurs squad and he underlined that fact by making the switch from midfield to defence effortlessly during a high pressure game with Madrid. He has certainly looked at the top of his game so far this season and was criticised at times last year over consistency. Dier’s versatility came in handy on Wednesday night and that is what makes him so pivotal to Pochettino, performing so admirably in defence. However, he should still be considered a defensive midfielder by trade where he can help dictate possession and needs to make that spot his own with fierce competition in the squad.