117 Touches, 100 Passes Completed – Mauricio Pochettino Has A Tough Decision To Make With Regards To This England Star

England ran out as comfortable 2-0 winners against Lithuania in their World Cup Qualifying game on Sunday, at the Wembley Stadium, with goals from Jermain Defoe and Jamie Vardy sealing the points for the Three Lions.

While the headlines were grabbed by Defoe, who scored his first goal for the national team in almost four years, the victory was built on the solid foundation provided by a certain Eric Dier in the middle of the park for the home side.

The 23-year old Tottenham defender has been under some fire from the Spurs’ fans in recent weeks, following some unconvincing displays as a part of the back-three for the club. However, he displayed his full range of abilities playing as a midfielder for the Three Lions in the weekend, staking a claim for a place in the Spurs midfield.

Dier hasn’t been afforded the opportunities to play in the centre of the park at club level this season by manager Mauricio Pochettino, after an excellent campaign last time around, where he starred for the team in the midfield pivot position. Pochettino has preferred to partner Mousa Dembele and Victor Wanyama this season and the duo have performed admirably, making it hard for Dier to find a place in the midfield.

As a result, Dier has found himself playing in a three-man backline that Pochettino has utilized this campaign. However, he has found it hard at the back. On Sunday, he once again demonstrated why the Spurs manager should look to use him in the midfield rather than in the defence for Tottenham.According to the data from stats experts

According to the data from stats experts WhoScored.com, Dier had a total of 117 touches in the game against Lithuania at the Wembley – the most by any player in the game. He was brilliant when in possession, completing a whopping 100 of his attempted 103 passes – which once again is the most by any player from either side in the game. The pass success rate was an unbelievable 97%. The 23-year old also created two goal-scoring chances for the Three Lions and also managed to take a shot at goal.

He was equally solid when asked to perform his defensive responsibilities as he won 5 of the 7 headers he attempted, which was again the best in the game alongside Lithuania’s Fedor Cernych. The Tottenham ace also won 2 tackles from his attempted 4 challenges, while making 4 important clearances and 2 interceptions as well.

While it was an easy win for England, it proved to be the perfect stage for Dier to showcase his abilities and demonstrate what he is capable of. The performance provided compelling evidence to Pochettino that the 23-year old is at home in the middle of the park and that is where he needs to be played, for the manager to get the best out of Dier.