65 Successful Passes Out Of 71 – Is Pochettino Wrong In Using This Versatile Tottenham Ace?

Eric Dier Once Again Proves Why He Deserves To Play In Central Midfielder

Mauricio Pochettino has done some serious work in his time at White Hart Lane as he has managed to turn Spurs into genuine contenders for the Premier League title. They took all three points from their game against Watford at the weekend, as a brace from Heung-Min Son and a goal from Dele Alli sealed the game for them. But one player who put in a tremendous performance and also scored a goal was the versatile English star Eric Dier.

The 23-year old has not been used regularly in the midfield by Pochettino but he started alongside Mousa Dembele and put in a superb performance to see his side to a victory. The likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli are regarded as the most important players for Tottenham this season but here is why Eric Dier, backed up by his performance at the weekend, is as important a player for Spurs.

Capable of playing as a center back, Dier is a central defensive midfielder with wonderful technique on the ball. He is hard to contain and is a player who can make things happen from a deep-lying position. Against Watford, Dier was responsible for stitching the midfield together as he gave the Hornets no time on the ball, winning it back quickly and bossing the midfield.

With two tackles and two blocks, Dier snuffed out a couple of dangerous attacks early while he also made an interception and a clearance in his own box. He completed 65 passes of the 71 that he attempted on the day – which was the highest for in the game, as he showed what he is capable of in a midfield role.

Pochettino has used Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele in this role extensively this season, while Dele Alli and Harry Kane have been productive in the attack. But Dier adds that quality to the squad which helps them get past the teams that sit back and defend. As a part of the back-three Dier was okay earlier in the season but his creativity, coupled with his energy in the midfield, makes him one of the most important players of the squad.

Dier has 29 appearances in the league this season but only a few of them have been in a midfield role. He has done a decent job at the back but his performance against the Hornets at the weekend shows why he must continue playing in central midfield and Pochettino might have to do something to fit him in there for the rest of the season.

Do you think Eric Dier deserves to play as a central midfielder rather than as a centre-half?