Michael Dawson has hailed Eric Dier’s leadership qualities and stated that the Tottenham man does not get the credit he deserves.
Dier certainly has gone through a difficult spell over the last couple of years, due to injuries, a change of position and managerial upheaval at Spurs.
However, the experienced defender has been reliable at the back for the Lilywhites this campaign, both for Antonio Conte and for his predecessor Nuno Espirito Santo.
The 28-year-old has been tasked with the central sweeper role in Conte’s back three since the Italian arrived in North London and has excelled.
The Tottenham head coach even insisted recently that the England international has the qualities to become one of the best central defenders in world football (Daily Mail) – certainly high praise coming from someone as experienced and demanding as Conte.
Dawson lavished praise on Dier for his ability to marshal the backline and to start attacks from deep.
The former Spurs defender told Sky Sports Football (02/04/22 at 1:10 pm): “Speaking about Eric Dier, I think him coming back, he is so important to them. I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves. Out of the football club and the fans.
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“I think it’s important. He has got big shoulders. His character. He plays in the middle of the three and dictates it. Starts a lot of the attacks.
“And he will always take the ball because he is that type of character. That’s what I like about Eric, he gives Romero at the back to get out and be aggressive.”
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In many respects, Dier’s characteristics are perfectly suited to playing as the central sweeper in the back three. Not only is the 28-year-old very good at reading situations and dominant in duals but he is also extremely comfortable on the ball, which makes it hard for the opposition to press him.
I am glad to see Dier getting some credit as I always believed that he had all the raw materials to be a top central defender and I thought some of the criticism he faced last season from sections of the fan base, was unfair.
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