Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has spoken about how impressed he is with Eric Dier, and backed the defender to build upon his goal in the Premier League opener against Southampton with more goals this season.
Eric Dier converted a deft header in the 4-1 win against the Saints at the weekend, helping Spurs come from behind to register a huge opening day victory. However, that effort was his first competitive goal in three years (Transfermarkt).
The commanding centre-back has been one of Tottenham’s most consistent performers since Antonio Conte took charge last season. Dier played 35 league games last year, keeping 16 clean sheets along the way (PremierLeague.com).
Within Conte’s system, Dier is the central figure of a back three and has shown great leadership qualities, along with an improved composure and dependability in defensive areas.
Dier’s form of late has led to many calling for a return to the England set-up, but no such recall has come to fruition just yet. Dier himself has told Football.London of his desire to win back his place in the national team ahead of this year’s World Cup.
Spurs legend, and soon-to-be academy coach, Jermain Defoe has praised Dier, and added that the defender should score more goals now he has adapted to Conte’s system (Premier League Productions (06/08/22 at 5:10 pm).
Defoe said: “It’s a great goal. He should be scoring more because of his presence. But he looks confident and he looks lean in that system. It’s so perfect for him. I am sure he will get more goals.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It was brilliant to see Dier get on the scoresheet at the weekend and it just affirms how far he has come under Conte. We saw in pre-season that he can score from long range, and he’s shown his presence in the box against Southampton, so hopefully there’s more to come from Dier in the attacking third, to complement his solid displays at the back.
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