Dier hopes to become ‘leader’ like Adams

Matthew Stead
Eric Dier: A worry ahead of Tottenham's game against Bournemouth

Eric Dier: A worry ahead of Tottenham's game against Bournemouth

Eric Dier has revealed his ambition to become a “leader” at Tottenham in the mould of one of his idols – Arsenal legend Tony Adams.

The centre-half, who has recently been moved into a central defensive midfield position at White Hart Lane by manager Mauricio Pochettino, feels he has strong leadership qualities akin to that of the former Arsenal captain.

Adams, who spent his entire 22-year playing career with Spurs’ bitter rivals, winning 10 major trophies in the process, was name-dropped by Dier when the 21-year-old was asked about defenders he considered to be legends.

“Tottenham fans might not be happy but I met Tony Adams quite a few times,” Dier told The Sun . “He came away with us when I played for England Under-19s and it was great to be around him.

“One day in training we were a player short so he trained with us. It was great.

“His body was past it yet he managed to cope because he could read the game so well and talked non-stop.”

When queried on his other defensive role models, Dier responded with a name Spurs fans may be more happy to hear.

“I liked Ledley King. The way he managed to play with his knee problems and I’ve heard stories about how he only trained a day before a game and played.”

Dier also expressed his wish to one day emulate such players and become a “leader” in the current Spurs set-up.

“It’s something that comes naturally as you become cemented in a team. I’ve only been here a year but hopefully I can become one of the leaders.”