Spurs star encourages youngsters to play abroad

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Eric Dier believes that more young English players should play abroad to gain valuable footballing experience.

Dier speaks from the heart when it comes to the subject, at age seven his family emigrated to Portugal where his mother was in charge of the catering at Euro 2004.

After the conclusion of the tournament they decided to stay in Portugal and Dier joined the Sporting academy which had previously produced the likes of Luís Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Dier progressed to the Sporting first team and made his debut against Porto in 2013 in one of the biggest matches in the Portuguese footballing calendar.

In August 2014, he joined Tottenham Hotspur on a five-year deal for a bargain £5million (BBC) and instantly became a fan favourite when he scored the winner at West Ham United in his debut.

Dier is now an established member of the Spurs first team and believes that more players should follow in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho.

The former Manchester City adademy player is flourishing at Borussia Dortmund and recently made his seneior debut for England.

Dier told Goal.com: “I hope players continue to do what Jadon is doing,”

“That’s so important for their development. Not just as a footballer but as a man.

“He’s out of his comfort zone and he’s living by himself in a foreign country. Those experiences are important for you to grow as a person.”