Tottenham’s Eric Dier Receives Backing from Former Boss
One of Tottenham’s bright stars this season has received plenty of praise for his breakout year, but none could be bigger than the backing of his former Sporting Lisbon manager, Jesualdo Ferreira.
After making the switch from the center-back/right-back position to defensive midfield, Eric Dier has received backing from his former manager to continue having success with Tottenham and England at a somewhat new, but familiar midfield role, that he briefly played in while with Sporting Lisbon.
Since joining Tottenham just two years ago, Dier started his Spurs’ career by playing in the back line in his first season and rotating between the center-back and right-back positions. There wasn’t a set role for the then-21-year-old at the time. Instead, he was a utility player who played wherever Mauricio Pochettino needed him.
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This season, after a summer exodus last year saw the likes of Étienne Capoue, Younès Kaboul, Paulinho, and Benjamin Stambouli sold, it left a gaping hole at the central and defensive midfield positions.
Now while all four midfield players weren’t necessarily good, it was apparent that they weren’t afforded much playing time to showcase their talents.
In fact, it could be argued that Mauricio Pochettino’s patience with them was extremely limited. To the point that if their form was bad, they would be benched and barely see the pitch again.
It’s was ruthless sure, but looking back on it now it was the best move to make since it freed up space and in turn, the money received helped add players such as Toby Alderweireld, Dele Alli, Kieran Trippier and Kevin Wimmer to name a few, on the team.
With Eric Dier fully establishing himself as a key player at the defensive midfield position, and helping Tottenham in their Premier League title hunt, Dier’s former manager Jesualdo Ferreira, when the two were with Sporting Lisbon in 2013, has recently spoken highly of his former player.
Talking to Portuguese daily A Bola, here’s what Ferreira had to say if he has been surprised by the England international’s success this year (quotes via ESPN FC):
“No, not at all! When I arrived at Sporting Eric was, of all Sporting’s young players, the one with the best potential, the one who had most conditions to become a top player.”
“And it looks like I wasn’t wrong. At the time he was too young, but on the pitch he behaved like an adult. He’s a good person, with good character, and he’s shy.”
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Jesualdo Ferreira who is now in charge of Qatari club Al Sadd, believes that Eric Dier’s position ultimately is at defensive midfield even though he’s versatile enough to play deeper as a center-back when needed.
“Curiously, many laughed when I said that, but now… I’ve bet on him for this position for the first time in a game against FC Porto and he corresponded. He gets to the box well, heads well and shoots well,” the 69-year-old Portuguese said.
“Curiously, Eric isn’t the typical English player. He’s a midfielder like very few in current football.”
“I’m very impressed with him and he has justified my confidence. Drinkwater also plays in Dier’s position and there is still [Jack] Wilshere, who is injured. If the three are available for the Euros, it will be a good headache.”
Obviously this is very high praise for Eric Dier at just the age of 22.
And while Tottenham had a talented player on their squad who didn’t necessarily have a set position last season, this year is not only Dier’s breakout year for club, but also for country as well.
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Last term, Eric Dier made 38 appearances in all competitions (26 in the Premier League). This season, Dier has made 44 appearances in all competitions (30 in the Premiership) and has only missed one game this year due to suspension.
On the international level, with only three caps and one goal, to his name. His first-ever goal which came last Saturday against the reigning World Cup champions, Germany, to seal England’s come-from-behind-win with a stoppage time header.
That goal symbolizes a player who has continued his rise from being a good player to one of Tottenham and England’s future stars for years to come at the defensive midfield position.