BBC pundit Garth Crooks has raved about Tottenham Hotspur star Eric Dier and claimed he had Crystal Palace ‘on toast’ in their 1-0 Premier League win on Sunday.
Dier, 24, has played most of the season in midfield for Spurs, but was forced to fill in at centre-back after Jan Vertonghen sustained a knock to his ankle in training this week.
Playing alongside Davinson Sanchez in defence, Dier put in a solid performance against a robust Palace attack made up of Christian Benteke and Alexander Sorloth.
Former Tottenham striker Crooks has named Dier in his team of the week on BBC Sport, and also claimed that centre-back is actually his best position.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a comprehensive performance by Eric Dier. He had Christian Benteke and Alexander Sorloth on toast in Tottenham’s win at Crystal Palace.
“I’m beginning to think centre-back is Dier’s best position and he should stay there,” said Crooks.
Spurs struggled to break Palace down for the majority of the match despite enjoying more than 70% possession, and it wasn’t until the 88th minute that they got their reward.
Harry Kane was the hero once again as he rose at the back post to head home a Christian Eriksen corner and hand Spurs an important three points that see them rise to fourth in the table.
OPINION
Dier was indeed brilliant against Palace, snuffing out any Palace threats as they developed. In truth he didn’t have that much to do, but when called upon he delivered. Whether centre-back is his best position is up for debate, as he looks equally comfortable in midfield these days. However, it is that versatility that is his key asset for Spurs. Dier would have been preparing all week to play in midfield, and so to drop back to defence and put in such a great performance is mightily impressive. There are few players who can play both positions to the levels required for Spurs.