Jamie O’Hara claims Eric Dier has been ‘very good’ for Tottenham under Antonio Conte and believes his absence has impacted the club’s recent performances.
Dier has been a focal point for Spurs since Conte’s arrival in November, starting in all nine Premier League fixtures he has been available for (Transfermarkt).
However, the 28-year-old has missed three league games since the turn of the year having struggled to shake off a lingering thigh injury.
Dier’s omission has seemingly had a glaring impact on Tottenham’s recent form and results, with the side losing two games at home to Southampton and Wolves last week.
Both displays saw the defensive line of Cristian Romero, Davinson Sanchez and Ben Davies exposed to frailties, as Spurs dropped down to eighth-place in the Premier League.
Ex-Spurs midfielder O’Hara believes his former employers have missed the leadership and organisation of Dier, and feels the centre-back has taken great strides under Conte.
O’Hara told talkSPORT (14/02/22): “The player we are missing the most, and it’s crazy to say it, is Eric Dier. When Conte has come in, he has been revived and he has been good.
“He has played in the middle of a three, where he gets protected a little because he can get done for pace.
“But, in terms of his performance ever since Conte has come in, I thought Eric Dier has been actually very good.
“At least he talks and he can organise. I look at the backline against Wolves and Southampton, there is no organisation or talk.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Dier’s organisation has been a key part of Tottenham’s improvements under Conte early on and his absence has definitely affected recent defensive displays. Spurs need to get him back pretty quickly to provide some order in defence to prevent the side from falling too far behind.