‘I didn’t think he had the pace’ – Hutton admits Spurs star has proved him wrong

Former Tottenham defender, Alan Hutton has admitted that Eric Dier has proven him wrong with his performances at the heart of the Spurs defence this season.

Dier has started at centre-half in all four of Tottenham’s Premier League games so far (transfermarkt.com), with Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez seemingly fighting it out to be the England international’s main partner.

Spurs boast an excellent defensive record so far this season, having conceded just once from open play in their opening four matches, with Dier being a crucial part of the improved showing at the back.

There was plenty of discussion regarding Dier’s change of position from defensive midfield to centre-back over the summer. Hutton claimed back in July that the 26-year-old needed to be paired with a partner with pace in order to overcome his shortcomings.

However, the Scott has now admitted that the former Sporting Lisbon man has proven him wrong with his performances.

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton said: “He’s (Mourinho has) really fancied Dier this season. I think he’s played really well.

“I was a bit sceptical of him as a centre-half, I didn’t think he had the pace but he’s playing really well.

“It looks like he wants someone to partner him. They have got other options there, there are other players there who are international players that they can turn to. I don’t think it’s such a bad thing.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Hutton certainly was not alone in questioning if Dier had the pace to play at the back, with many Spurs fans also saying the same a few months ago. However, contrary to what people seem to think, the 26-year-old is actually deceptively quick when he gets going.

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