Garth Crooks names two Spurs stars in his team of the week – Including Eric Dier

Former Tottenham forward, Garth Crooks has admitted that he has been left pleasantly surprised by Eric Dier’s recent performances as he praised the central defender for another clean sheet on Sunday against Chelsea.

Dier has become a mainstay in the Tottenham defence under Jose Mourinho and seems to have built a formidable partnership with Toby Alderweireld.

However, with the Belgian out with an injury, the 26-year-old started alongside the inexperienced Joe Rodon, who was making his first Premier League start this weekend.

Although there were a few nervy moments at the back for Tottenham, particularly from Rodon, they managed to shut out Chelsea’s attack, which has been prolific in front of goal in recent weeks.

Crooks picked Dier in his Team of the Week for the second week in a row and praised the defender for a solid display.

The pundit wrote in his BBC Sport column: “Spurs’ draw at Chelsea was a typical Jose Mourinho performance. No frills, no risks, and he went away with a point for his trouble.

“It was also a desperately dull affair, especially in the second half. Just the way the Spurs boss would have liked it away from home.

“However, it’s the second consecutive week Eric Dier has made my TOTW. It wasn’t easy for Dier, as he had Joe Rodon making his full debut beside him, and on a different day two mistakes by Rodon might have been exploited.

“What is most interesting is the point won at Stamford Bridge, as dull as it was, takes Spurs back to the top of the table. Something very strange is going on at Spurs when Dier is their star performer two weeks in a row, Spurs keep another clean sheet, and are top of the league again.”

Another Spurs star who made Crooks’ Team of the Week was Hugo Lloris, with the former Tottenham striker describing the goalkeeper’s save from Mason Mount’s drive in the second half as ‘exceptional’.

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