Tottenham’s new holding midfielder?

Eric Dier was fantastic again during yesterday’s away game at the Stadium of Light. He put out fires all across the pitch and completed some heroic blocks and strong challenges whilst remaining composed and disciplined. The question is, can Eric be our new holding midfielder?

Eric Dier’s ability to read the game is the main reason he can make it as a defensive, holding midfielder. To utter Ledley King is a risky move, and Eric isn’t close to Ledley as a complete footballer yet, but the way he reads the game and seems to arrive on the scene at just the right time during the game, does remind me of Ledley. Dier can appreciate what is needed to protect his defense and goalkeeper as he normally plays as a centre back, this means he can easily adapt when he doesn’t have the ball which allows Tottenhams defensive game to remain in shape.

 When Tottenham do have the ball, Dier is composed and keeps things simple which is essential, because Nabil Bentaleb was not getting the simple passes correct in holding midfield, which led to opposition attacks and goals, like the goal at Old Trafford this season.

On the other hand, Eric may not be solution to Mauricio’s midfield headache because at times he looks like he is running through treacle. Nabil Bentaleb is far more athletic which means we look stronger against counter attacking teams when the young Algerian is in the side.

In conclusion, Eric Dier’s ability to become our new holding midfielder is there, he has proven he can do a good job for Mauricio, it’s just whether he can consistantly perform and continue to develop, or whether he will be exposed by fast counter attacking play. Tottenham’s next home game will go a long way to showing Mauricio and the fans whether Eric can cope against a fast paced strong attacking line up.