‘No coincidence’ – Alan Shearer heaps praise on 2014 Tottenham signing

Alan Shearer has heaped praise on Eric Dier for his impressive defensive display in Tottenham’s 3-2 win over Manchester City.

Dier has been one of Tottenham’s most consistent performers this season and the 28-year-old established himself as the first choice in Antonio Conte’s back three immediately after the Italian arrived at the club.

The Tottenham head coach even claimed back in December that the England international could become one of the best in the world in his position (The Athletic).

Spurs certainly felt Dier’s absence in their defeats to Southampton and Wolves, with some of the Lilywhites’ decision making at the back leaving a lot to be desired.

The centre-back marshalled the backline impressively on his return to the starting eleven on Saturday with Cristian Romero and Ben Davies also putting in solid displays on either side of him.

Shearer insisted that it was no coincidence that Dier returning to the starting eleven coincided with Tottenham getting back to winning ways.

The Newcastle legend picked the Spurs defender in his team of the week and told premeirleague.com: “Dier returns from injury, Spurs win. It’s no coincidence. He’s been a key man under Antonio Conte.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I have always believed that Dier had all the attributes to become a world-class central defender and I felt some of the criticism he got last season was quite unfair.

It is worth remembering that he was exceptional alongside Toby Alderweireld in the first half of last season when we were sitting at the top of the table.

However, fans suddenly seemed to turn on him after he made a couple of mistakes. I am glad that Conte has realised Dier’s worth and made him an important part of his set-up.

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