Pundit suggests Conte is not playing first-team starter in his best position
Alan McInally has opined that Eric Dier simply does not have the attributes to play in central defence and admitted that he is bemused as to why Antonio Conte keeps playing him there. Dier has been a fixture in the heart of Tottenham’s back three since Conte arrived at the club 15 months ago that […]
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Alan McInally has opined that Eric Dier simply does not have the attributes to play in central defence and admitted that he is bemused as to why Antonio Conte keeps playing him there.
Dier has been a fixture in the heart of Tottenham’s back three since Conte arrived at the club 15 months ago that the centre-back was one of the Lilywhites’ most consistent performers last season.
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
However, the 29-year-old is one of many Spurs players whose form has plummeted over recent months, with the defender being guilty of several unforced errors at the back.
Tottenham chose against signing a centre-back during the January transfer window, which was seemingly a vote of confidence from Conte and the coaching in Dier and the rest of the backline.
McInally believes that the confidence is misplaced, insisting that the England international has no future at Spurs if he continues to play in central defence.
The former Aston Villa striker told Sky Sports: “Eric Dier, for me, is not a centre-back. I don’t get that. I just haven’t got it, so I think there’s a big problem defensively if Conte thinks he’s a centre-back. If you’re going to play Eric Dier, he’s a holding midfield player tops, maximum.
“He’s done as good as he can because I don’t think he knows where any danger is and I don’t like him in any back four or back three.
“I’ve never spoken to Eric Dier, I couldn’t ask him and say ‘big man, tell me your favourite position, tell me where you want to play’. If I ask him that and he tells me ‘centre back’, then he’s not going to be at Spurs much longer.”
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There is no doubt that Dier’s performance has been well below the required standard over the past few months but it is lazy analysis to say that he is a better defensive midfielder than a centre-back.
It is also worth pointing out that all of Tottenham’s last four managers – Pochettino, Nuno, Mourinho and Conte, all rated Dier, which should cause some Spurs fans and pundits to pause and reflect as to why they think they know better than all of them.
Conte could have easily replaced Dier over the last two transfer windows if he wanted but he chose against doing so and prioritised strengthening other areas of the pitch.
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The post Pundit suggests Conte is not playing first-team starter in his best position appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.