Tottenham’s Central Midfield Duo Have Come a Long Way Since Pre-season
Tottenham Hotspur’s two best central midfielders have enjoyed instant success this season at such young ages.
On November 13, two “brothers” both made their senior England debut as second half substitutes against Spain in the 63rd minute and would finish the game in an eventual 2-0 defeat to the reigning, defending European champions. For one of Tottenham’s four players that were present during the Spain vs England international friendly, one of them, Eric Dier, said that his dream to represent England had come true when he spoke to Tottenham’s official site.
It’s one of the moments all English players dream of – their senior England debut – how was it when you stepped out there against Spain?
Eric Dier: “It’s one of the aims you set out to achieve when you start your career so to have achieved it so early is a dream come true and a very proud moment for me and my family.”
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Tonight, against France, “big brother” Eric Dier (21) and “little brother” Dele Alli (19) made their first England starts in what Dier had hoped would happen in the near future two days prior to England’s friendly against France. “It was nice to make my debut coming on at the same time as Dele and hopefully in the future there will be more games alongside each other.”
Dier and Alli playing together has happened since pre-season in July because of Mauricio Pochettino’s penchant for utilizing both of them despite their age and experience at the Premier Leauge (Alli) and playing in a new position (defensive midfield for Eric Dier).
Not only did moving Eric Dier, a player who made 36 appearances at right-back and center-back in his first season for Spurs last term, help Tottenham become a better defensive unit. But Dier has fully established himself in the same level as Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Hugo Lloris: starters that must play in almost every single game if possible. The 21-year-old has only missed one game this year due to suspension starting 16 out of 17 matches.
Eric Dier’s partner, Dele Alli has started 11 games out of 16 appearances in all competitions (17 matches), making his first team start for Spurs on September 13 and he hasn’t looked back. Becoming one of Tottenham’s most exciting players this season.
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Both central midfielders have adapted to one another very well to the point that there’s a big brother-little brother relationship due to their close age and the positions that they play — even if Eric Dier has been a defender since joining Tottenham from Sporting Lisbon.
Looking at Dier and Alli’s seasons, it’s amazing to see their impact for club and country in only five months. Their form has seen them continue to improve since this summer, climbing up the ranks from preseason hopefuls to eventual Premier League starters.
And now both midfielders are fully fledged England senior team members with two caps to their names (one substitution and one start). Mauricio Pochettino has show that having faith in young players is more than enough even if their age and experience should technically prevent them from succeeding so early into their careers.
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During England’s friendly against France, although Alli had to be subbed off in the 88th minute, his first England start also came with his first international goal which was a thing of beauty. After making a great challenge to recover the ball, Alli got a pass back and launched a strike about 30+ yards out — with a slight deflection — for a goal against Hugo Lloris. Eric Dier on the other hand, was able to complete a full 90 minutes and could potentially fill a defensive midfield role on Roy Hodgson’s squad according to an article written by Give Me Sport’s James Kesterton.
“The defender-turned-holding midfielder, who came through the academy at Sporting Lisbon, shows a composure in possession and tactical awareness not present in most English players.
With Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere both injured, the England midfield is now a problem for manager Roy Hodgson. Even when both fit, the question marks surrounding Wilshere as a holding midfield player remain and with few other alternatives barring an ageing Michael Carrick.
But now, Dier gives England an option and a defensive awareness that Wilshere will never possess. Both he and Alli could be a future international midfield for years to come, with the prospect of those two playing together an inviting one for Hodgson.”
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Due to an ever increasing chemistry between Eric Dier and Dele Alli, it gives Tottenham a major upgrade from last season’s double pivot of Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason. Spurs are now better at defending: tackles, interceptions and even fouls because of the entire team’s increase in putting pressure on teams. None more prevalent than watching Spurs’ central midfield duo.
Pochettino’s high-pressing style of football has also seen a decrease in shots against and goals against this season (10 goals in the Premier League and 17 goals in all competitions). Overall, Mauricio Pochettino’s side wouldn’t have had gotten as much success this season — fifth in the Premier League and an 11-game unbeaten streak — if he hadn’t given two key starting jobs to Eric Dier and Dele Alli.