Tottenham player review: Eric Dier

When you look up versatility in the dictionary – or on Google as the generational trend perpetuates – you’ll surely find a mug shot of Eric Dier.

Well, maybe not but the point is clear enough.

Dier entered the season as the third choice center back behind Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. It is his preferred position but you wouldn’t know it with how well he protects the back four in a defensive midfield role.

Dier’s preferred position

He was, however, below Victor Wanyama in the midfield pecking order, too. The 23-year-old was unable to maintain his spot in the first team during the early stages of the campaign, instead acting as cover both in midfield and defence.

The opportunity he was so desperately waiting for came when Mauricio Pochettino switched to a 3-4-2-1, enabling the 23-year-old to take his preferred place in the heart of Spurs back line. Dier, along with Vertonghen and Alderweireld, comprised arguably the best central defensive triumvirate in the Premier League.

It is irrefutably the most skilled central defensive trio in a puritan footballing sense in the top flight. Some people refer to Dier as a utility player, but that tag is handed to players who perform competently, if not exquisitely, in numerous positions.

Dier, however, excels no matter where you plunk him, regardless  of whether it’s in the heart of midfield or defence. Wanyama, whose role of protecting the back four is assured, suffered an injury that kept him out of the lineup for multiple games.

Unsurprisingly, Dier filled Wanyama’s avoid with aplomb. He covered the Kenyan so well during his absence that moments arose, albeit brief and infrequent, when I almost forgot Wanyama was missing at all.

Dier was so prodigious in his covering role that Pochettino had no reservations about starting him alongside Wanyama.

Honing his talent in Portugal

The Englishman took a path less travelled during his developmental years, honing his craft with Sporting Lisbon in Portugal. It’s the main reason he’s so confident in possession, and it’s those silky smooth skills, deft and delicate touches that sets himself apart from most compatriots.

Also a specialist from free kicks, Dier isn’t provided ample opportunity to emphasize his dead-ball acumen, once again falling down the pecking order under Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen.

But provided a platform and Dier will once again show how inconsequential pecking orders are to him. A special moment in Euro 2016 against Russia takes is Exhibit A.

His versatility is invaluable to Spurs. His contribution cannot be measured by stats or analytics.

Next: Spurs players dominate England roster again

There is no cap to Dier’s potential progression. If he fulfills his full potential, Spurs might be forced to dissuade potential suitors from luring him away from North London.