Ex-Tottenham coach and player Clive Allen has rung in to talkSPORT today to hit back at hosts Alan Brazil and Ray Parlour over their fierce criticism of Eric Dier.
Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast Show earlier on Monday morning, Brazil and Arsenal legend Parlour laid into the Spurs midfielder following his performance in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool.
The pair questioned his inclusion in Mauricio Pochettino’s side, and insisted he is better at centre-back than he is in the central midfield role he has been used predominantly over recent years.
Allen told talkSPORT: “I very rarely disagree with you guys, but I have to on this occasion. Having watched Eric now for a number of years at Spurs, I do feel his best position is that holding midfield role in front of the two centre-halves.
“Yes, he can drop back in when they want to play with a back-three, but I believe he is well suited to screening the two central defenders.
“Against Liverpool on Saturday he was more right sided and he looked a little lost. I have to say it was a poor game by Eric’s standards, but when he’s in that more central position – intercepting through balls, breaking play up, playing simply and setting spurs on their way – that, for me, is Eric’ best role.
“When he’s played defensively, I’ve got to say there have been a number of occasions where he has made mistakes and they’ve been very costly.”
?? Brazil: 'I'm beginning to doubt if he's top, top class.'
?? Parlour: 'I don't know what he brings to the midfield.'
Al & Ray say Eric Dier's performance against Liverpool has increased their doubts about the #THFC & England midfielder.
Do you think Dier is overrated? ? pic.twitter.com/0saGyW4uVn
— talkSPORT Breakfast (@TSBreakfast) September 17, 2018
Dier lived up to his name rather than his reputation as Spurs stumbled to a defeat against Liverpool that should have been far more emphatic. Deployed on the right side of a midfield diamond that had Mousa Dembele at its base, Harry Winks on the left and Christian Eriksen at its apex, Tottenham were crushed by the energy and desire of the hugely impressive visitors. Dier was certainly not alone in having a wretched match among the players in the Spurs line-up, including plenty with far greater reputations. Mauricio Pochettino is a big admirer of Dier’s versatility and commitment, and has suggested in the past he could be an outstanding centre-back for Tottenham when he matures. That is the theory of Parlour and Brazil, although not one former Spur Allen subscribes to. Or, indeed, many Tottenham fans who have watched Dier make catastrophic errors in the centre of defence. For now, he is far better in a midfield anchorman role.