Pochettino confident over Dier

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is confident Eric Dier can cut it as a defensive midfielder in the Barclays Premier League.

Just where to play the England under-21 international, who was brought up in Portugal, has been the subject of much debate for both club and country.

Pochettino has in both Barclays Premier League matches this season opted to deploy Dier, signed from Sporting Lisbon for £4million in 2014, in front of the back four.

Dier repaid the manager’s faith with a well-taken opening goal and generally impressive display in the 2-2 draw against Stoke at White Hart Lane last weekend.

Pochettino believes the player’s positive performances bode well for his future development.

“I made that decision from the start of pre-season, we needed to give the option to Eric Dier to play. He played well in midfield and was comfortable in that position,” said Pochettino, who takes his side to Leicester on Saturday.

“He played it before in the national team, (when he was younger) in Portugal they play like a centre-back or holding midfielder – and I am very happy with his performance.”

Pochettino added: “Eric’s skill is he can play in different positions in the pitch, he started last season as a full-back and scored in the first two games.

“He can also play at centre-back, and it is good for him because he is young and he improves a lot.

“When you play in different positions you add to your game and so gain better tools to be a better player.”

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