Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes that despite previous criticism, Eric Dier’s displays recently have won the fans over.
Dier went through a tough phase last campaign and struggled to get his name on the teamsheet, but when fit, he has hardly missed a game this season, featuring in 22 Premier League games so far.
The 28-year-old has featured primarily in the middle of the defence this season and this position seems to suit him, especially as of late – with Dier posting a SofaScore match rating of 7.2 in his last two matches in the league.
O’Rourke told GiveMeSport that he feels this impressive form has “won Spurs fans back over” after they wanted him out 12-18 months ago.
He said: “He’s obviously comfortable on the ball being an ex-midfielder as well. He dropped into this defensive role, and he’s sort of going full circle now, Eric Dier.
“Lots of Spurs fans were calling for him to leave maybe 12, 18 months ago, but I think he’s won Spurs fans back over.”
TIF Thoughts on Eric Dier…
Although Dier, who is valued at £19.8 million (as per Transfermarkt), has come in for praise this season, there have been claims that he isn’t a ‘top-four defender’.
Admittedly, when looking at defenders at other ‘top four’ clubs, with the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Ruben Dias, and Virgil van Dijk, it is hard to compare Dier to them, as these three are some of the best in the world in their position.
When looking at the bigger picture, Dier has proven that when confident, he can perform to a high level, especially under Conte, who has started him in every game the Englishman has been available for.
And when looking at Spurs defensively as of late, he is missed at the back, with the team losing four out of seven since he was sidelined by his hamstring problem, so he is clearly a key player for Conte at present.