Eric Dier says he is relishing leadership role in Spurs defence under Conte

Eric Dier has said he is enjoying his role as a leader in Tottenham’s defence under Antonio Conte after helping his side earn a breathtaking win at Manchester City. 

Spurs secured a late 3-2 win over the Premier League champions on Saturday with Harry Kane powering the North London club to a precious three points in their top-four chase.

Kane was involved in all three Spurs goals and headed in the all-important winner deep into stoppage time from a floated cross supplied by Dejan Kulusevski – who notched his first goal for the club in the encounter. 

Tottenham’s performance, on the whole, was much more convincing than in their recent defeats to Southampton and Wolves and part of that was arguably down to the return of chief defensive organiser Dier. 

The England international has revealed that he is enjoying his role in Conte’s back three and admits the trust given by the Italian has inspired confidence in his performances. 

Dier said (Evening Standard): “Ever since I’ve arrived I’ve always tried to implement all the skills I have. I think [leadership] is definitely one of them. It’s coming to the forefront a bit more now. 

“I’m really enjoying working under the manager and the confidence he has given me, and I’m really enjoying the role [in the middle of the back three] and the way I’m playing in it.

“It’s very important in that position to lead the defence as much as possible, lead the team as much as possible, be very vocal and organise well. I’m trying to do that to the best of my ability.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

Spurs have missed Dier when he was out with injury and his return against Man City proved to be key in Conte’s men emerging with a big three points. He seems to have found some consistency after periods of struggles that yielded mistakes. The crucial thing is him now being able to maintain that heading into the business end of the campaign. 

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