Versatile Dier enjoying Tottenham midfield role

Rob Conlon
Eric Dier: England under-21 international has fared well in midfield this season

Eric Dier: England Under-21 international has fared well in midfield this season

Eric Dier admits he is enjoying playing in midfield after starting the season in impressive form for Tottenham.

Eyebrows were raised at the start of the season when manager Mauricio Pochettino deployed Dier – normally a defender – as a holding midfielder, but he has flourished in the role and was rewarded with a new five-year contract extension earlier this month.

The former Sporting Lisbon player has also reverted to his more natural centre-back position for England Under-21s for the victories over Norway and the USA this month, but is happy to play for Spurs wherever Pochettino sees fit.

“It’s good [playing in midfield], but I’m comfortable playing in both positions,” he said.

“Last year was my first in the Premier League and I played at right-back, centre-back and in midfield.

“I’ve played in midfield with Spurs [this season] and felt I’ve done well, and these last two games [with England] have been at the back.

“But I think I can slip in and out of both positions quite comfortably.”

The 21-year-old also praised his manager for giving young players such as himself, Harry Kane, Ryan Mason and Dele Alli the chance to shine in the top tier of English football.

Pochettino signed Dier from the Portuguese giants for £4million last summer, and he made 36 appearances in his first season at the North London club.

“If you’re good enough, you’re old enough and the manager at my club lives by that policy and it shows with all the young players that have played,” Dier told the FA website.

“He puts his faith in you and he’s been great for me and any other young player at the club.

“He trusts you and it’s just a matter of us repaying them.”