Paul Merson claims Tottenham defender ‘finds the game a little bit too easy’ 

Paul Merson has claimed that Eric Dier is relaxed when in possession of the ball since he has experience playing as a holding midfielder. 

Dier has been in excellent form so far this season and seems to have won over many of his critics. 

The 27-year-old has quickly established himself as a mainstay in the central sweeper role in Antonio Conte’s back three and has helped Spurs to keep three clean sheets in their five Premier League games under the Italian. 

Against Liverpool, the centre-back also showcased his passing range, picking out the runs of the Tottenham wing-backs and attackers with precise balls over the top of the Reds backline. 

The Tottenham man is arguably unlikely to be far away from a recall to the England squad if he keeps up the same level of performance.

Merson believes that Dier’s experience of having played as a holding midfielder makes it ‘too easy’ for him when he is in possession of the ball.

The former Arsenal midfielder told Sky Sports News (1:41 pm, December 18, 2021): “I like Dier. I think Dier is a good player. I do like Dier. I think sometimes he finds the game a little bit too easy. 

“I think he relaxes on the ball too much and takes a few chances. I think that’s because he finds the game easier because he is a holding midfield player.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It is a myth that Dier is a holding midfield player. He has always primarily been a centre-back. He played as a central defender while coming through the ranks at Sporting Lisbon and he played at centre-back and right-back in his first season at Spurs. 

He was then shifted to midfield by Pochettino during the 2015/16 season but in the Argentine’s system, he essentially played as a third centre-back when Spurs were in possession of the ball.

To me, Dier never looked like a natural midfielder as he was not comfortable turning on the ball when put under pressure. However, he is very good on the ball at centre-back as he has the game ahead of him and gets more time.

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