Is Eric that Dier?

So much was made of our transfer window this season. Who’s going? Who’s staying? In the end – think it’s fair to say it was a pretty good window with four new players purchased (one out on loan).

We bolstered the weakest part of our team in my opinion which was midfield. We also addressed the biggest issue within the midfield for me – creativity.

So what does this have to do with Eric Dier? Well, several fans were and still are calling for the midfielder be included in our summer departures list. Why? A Combination of the lack of playing time and an alarming decline in form last season.

When you think of deadwood at Tottenham – names such as Nkoudou, Wanyama, Janssen come to mind. All three managed a combined 1139 minutes for Spurs last season whilst Dier’s total minutes in his worst campaign in terms of injury and form was significantly higher at 1928 minutes (Transfermarkt).

With the European window still open, Janssen and Nkoudou have left. Wanyama’s in talks to leave for Club Brugge. Levy’s doing what he does best but why are fans so keen for Dier to be part of the chopping block?

Some could say we don’t need him. We signed two very rounded midfielders in Ndombele and Lo Celso who not only have supreme technical but are combative with tackling. Add c who averaged 2.1 tackles per game in the league last year (WhoScored) or Winks who has been playing the 6 role since February in addition to Skipp who Poch is keen on and it seems there may not be any room for the traditional ‘destroyer’ in our side.

His form was also a cause for concern last year despite an injury-ravaged campaign. Sloppy passing, inability to cover spaces vacated by fullbacks. Add his rashness to this and his name on the Spurs teamsheet instantly rang alarm bells for many fans last season.

Football fans can be too reactionary and often have short memories too. This is the same Dier who has performed to a high level against reputable sides such as Real, Dortmund, Arsenal, Chelsea, Inter, Man Utd. The list goes on.

On a personal level, he’s a mild mannered guy who has a solid relationship with the gaffer as well as several teammates. One could assume he won’t be the type to cause unrest or moan due to limited game time.

At 25 years of age, he still has scope for improvement and can get back to a good level for Spurs. This is a man who had played over 40 games for the club for three seasons straight prior to last season with relative solid performances over the course of each of those seasons (Soccerbase).

My verdict is to keep him and use for rotation with Winks and even Skipp for the deepest role in the midfield.