Arsenal legend Martin Keown has claimed that Tottenham star Eric Dier can become a top class centre back if he makes certain improvements.
The 24-year-old has alternated between centre half and holding midfield for both club and country, but Keown believes the former position holds tantalising possibilities for the England international.
“Dier has the ability to be a top centre half but he needs to be quicker in and around the box,” he wrote in his ‘Tackle Keown’ column for the Daily Mail [12:51].
“Look at the goal England conceded against Croatia. He does not come up to the ball with enough urgency or aggression. If he reacts quicker, he blocks the shot rather than see it deflect off him and in. As a centre back, Dier is nearly there. He is rugged, powerful, strong and can play. Now he must be more ruthless and red alert.”
OPINION
These are interesting comments which Dier would do well to take on board. After all, Keown knows a thing or two about the centre position, doesn’t he? It’s strange with Dier because you see games where he comes out all guns blazing and produces a performance filled with controlled aggression and tactical disciple, whereas on other occasions he just looks a little flat. At times like that centre back is not where you want him, so he does need to heed Keown’s advice and bring a little more urgency into his game when he’s playing at the back. It’s a different sort of discipline from when you’re playing centre midfield to when you’re at the heart of the defence, and Dier needs to realise that. His versatility is a massive bonus for club and country, but if he wants to take the next step as a centre half then he would do well to heed Keown’s advice here.