‘Not being disrespectful’ – Pundit disagrees with Conte statement about Spurs star 

Clinton Morrison disagrees with Antonio Conte’s assessment of Eric Dier when the Italian labelled him as a potential future world-class defender.

Dier has been a fixture in the Tottenham backline all season and he has quickly established himself as the first-choice in the central sweeper role in Conte’s back three. 

The 27-year-old has been part of a defensive unit that has looked strong under the Italian, lining up in a central sweeper role between the likes of Ben Davies and Davinson Sanchez.

He has not only been solid defensively but has also showcased his ability on the ball, picking out Tottenham’s wing-backs and forwards with some excellent long passes over the top of the opposition defence.

Conte has lavished praise on Dier, insisting earlier this month that the England international could become one of the best in the world in his position. 

Morrison has admitted that he has been impressed with Tottenham’s defensive improvements under the former Inter Milan boss but he admitted that he does not see eye eye-to-eye with Conte regarding Dier.

The former Crystal Palace striker told BBC Radio Five Live Football Daily Podcast (29/12/21): “They’ve (Tottenham) got a great chance of finishing in the top four. 

“I still think he needs to bring a few players in, I don’t know if Ashley will agree as a defender, but I don’t think Tottenham are brilliant defensively. 

“When I heard him say the other day, and it’s the only negative thing I have to say about Conte, and I’m not being disrespectful, but when he said Eric Dier has the potential to be one of the best in the world, I didn’t agree with that.”

Spurs Web Opinion 

Football is a game of opinions and so it is fair enough that Morrison does not rate Dier. However, there is no doubt that the assessment of a world-class coach like Conte, who has worked with Dier on the training ground, carries far more weight than that of the former Palace striker’s. 

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