Tottenham Pre-season Notes
Honorable Mention: Eric Dier
Due to the recent signings of Kevin Wimmer and Toby Alderweireld, plus Federico Fazio staying, Eric Dier would have to play in a different position to get some playing time. Interestingly enough, that’s what happened against the MLS All-Stars and Real Madrid.
More from Hotspur HQ
- Storybook ending after difficult period for Tottenahm’s Richarlison
- Tottenham comeback showcased invaluable intangible Ange has cultivated
- Tottenham player ratings in 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United
- Tottenham projected starting 11 for Sheffield United
- Tottenham’s Richarlison says he’s going to seek psychological help
At center-back Dier would be the third or fourth option off the bench even with Younès Kaboul and Vlad Chiricheș being sold this summer.
Now with Kieran Trippier signed and DeAndre Yedlin also part of the team, they’ll both be competing against Kyle Walker for the starting right-back spot and the backup role.
This effectively puts Dier in a bind as to where he could start, hence Mauricio Pochettino’s experiment of playing him as a defensive midfielder.
Since the switch, he’s done okay at a new position considering he’s learning a new role just to get some playing time. Because Étienne Capoue and Benjamin Stambouli are now gone, Nabil Bentaleb doesn’t have any current backups, so it makes sense for Eric Dier to slot in as a potential backup.
It would be better to sign an experienced defensive midfielder, but if not, Dier isn’t that bad of a backup option. He’s done well so far though this pre-season.
Next: Final Thoughts