‘It’s been a real education for me’ – Eric Dier opens up on life under Conte at Spurs
Speaking directly to Tottenham’s website, Eric Dier has addressed his impressive season under Antonio Conte and has looked toward the future.
Dier made 35 Premier League appearances for Spurs last season (TransferMarkt) and was widely regarded as one of the most consistent performers in the team.
The 28-year-old has often been viewed as a utility player during his time with the Lilywhites.
Beginning his Spurs career at right-back, before prolonged stints at both central defence and defensive midfield, he never truly looked as though they were his optimal positions.
However, now finding himself at the centre of Conte’s back three, Dier is showcasing his true abilities week in, week out.
Speaking of his impressive season, Dier said: “I was pleased with last season – it’s always difficult to judge yourself, it’s better for other people to do that for you, but I feel like I maintained a good level of consistency over the course of the season, I was happy with my performances and I’m excited for more.
The former Sporting Lisbon youngster spoke very highly of Conte, alluding to the Italian’s mastery of the back-three system.
He said: “I’ve been really enjoying learning this system under this manager. I think everyone knows he’s the master of this system so it’s been a real education for me and one I’ve really liked. I think there’s so much for him still to teach me as well.
“You can never foresee the way things are going to go in football but going back to those early days I had here, it’s something that I spoke about a lot – we always saw that I would eventually be transitioned into playing in defence, a back three or a back four.
“Nowadays, of course, I’m happy to be playing there, getting better and better and as I said, I think I still have a lot of room before I hit my ceiling.”
Dier is now entering his ninth season in North London and has clearly become a commanding presence both on the field and in the changing room for his side.
He added: “To be here eight years now is something I’m very proud of.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far and obviously, Tottenham holds a special place in my heart, but there’s a few of us who have been here a long time now – me, Hugo, Harry, Ben – so in a way it’s a strange feeling to have enjoyed it over such a long period.
“Obviously, the team has changed a lot in that time, lots of new players, but it’s always enjoyable to play with new players as well, and to see young players coming through and to try to help them develop and improve.
“I think we have a lot of very good young players at the moment and I’m enjoying the responsibility of trying to help them, like other players did for me in the past.
“You can give them so much advice because obviously, you’ve gone through everything that they are going through – it doesn’t really matter if it’s on the pitch or off the pitch, you can help them in many different ways.
“Then obviously the most important thing is to carry yourself in the right way in order to set a good example for them to follow.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Eric was an absolute rock for us last season. Although Conte must be given a lot of the plaudits for transforming the Spurs careers of both Dier and centre-back partner Ben Davies, it is clear that the England international has the perfect attitude and wants to keep improving his game.
When you consider that last summer many Spurs fans would have happily seen Dier leave the club, it is amazing to see his transformation.
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