‘Stretching it’ – Pundit questions Eric Dier’s statement about his own form

Danny Mills has taken issue with Eric Dier’s statement about his personal form, insisting that the centre-back cannot be playing too well, given Tottenham’s inconsistency over the last few months.

Dier has arguably been Tottenham’s most consistent centre-back this season and the 28-year-old has made the central sweeper role in Antonio Conte’s back three his own since the Italian’s arrival in North London.

The England international has displayed his leadership qualities and has received rave reviews from Conte, with the Spurs boss even insisting that Dier could become one of the best centre-backs in the world (Daily Mail).

It certainly came as a huge surprise to many Tottenham fans when the defender was left out of the England squad, particularly given that the likes of Harry Maguire, Conor Coady and Tyrone Mings were handed call-ups.

The Spurs star has said that he feels this is the best season he has had for the Lilywhites in terms of consistency and that his football ‘is the best it has been’ (The Athletic).

Mills has questioned how Dier can make such a claim, given Tottenham’s struggles over recent months but suggested that the Spurs star stands a chance of making the England squad for the World Cup in Qatar.

The former Leeds full-back told Football Insider: “Before the last few games didn’t they go on a run of four losses in five games?

“Being in the form of your life means doing it over six months of half a season. I was there when they lost to Burnley and that wasn’t that long ago.

“Form of your life is stretching it a little bit. He might have played well in the last two or three games but I’m not sure that means you can say that.

“There are massive concerns for England at centre-half. The options are very, very limited.

“If he can keep playing well between now and the end of the season and starts next season well, there’s every chance he can get a recall.

“Gareth’s options at the moment are players who aren’t playing much, those out of form or young and untested.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Mills evidently has not watched Dier play a lot this season. Even when we were struggling under Nuno Espirito Santo earlier this season, I thought the 28-year-old was one of our most consistent performers.

Southgate has decided to stay loyal to the players who have served him well in the recent past but it will be hard for the England boss to overlook Dier for the World Cup squad if the Spurs man maintains his current standard of performances.

Related Topics