Eric Dier in midfield: Why Tottenham can reap the long-term benefits

[mawspurs]

Mauricio Pochettino’s surprise decision to play Eric Dier in midfield could be vindicated in the long term, writes Adam Bate. With the help of coaches past and present, we examine why this is a player Tottenham should invest time in…


Source: Sky Sports

 

[deadlight]

No, no, no. Not for me.

 

[Dave-F]

Could well prove to be one of our best signings in recent years, but still needs to learn and bulk up a bit. Still think he wants to play CB, but if the DM role works well for him then it will only benefit us as that will naturally free up Mason/Bentaleb/Alli/Dembele to roam forwards.

 

[JoeT]

Maybe, but in the meantime he's a cheap fill-in.

 

[Jadon Benjamin]

I appreciate the sentiment. However, with all due respect if we have Champion's league ambitions we need DM/CM's of much much higher caliber. Although one for the future, we need to bring in a CM that can take us to the next level in a season or two.

 

[beuller]

This will certainly make him a better player and we will hopefully see the benefit of that.

But it feels like a cheap stop gap for the club. A tactical solution as they say.

 

[Jenko]

We all would have poo poo'd the idea of Harry Kane being our main striker 2 years ago. Give the guy a chance and trust the manager for a while. He's a capable player.

 

[Redfap]

I think it will benefit him greatly as a player having a stint int he midfield, but I definitely see his future as a dominant CB.

 

[2bearis2do]

I don't get it, I don't like it - this isn't pre-season experimentation MoPo.
He's technically sound, no doubt and has great ambition and I think great talent - But stick him in his BEST position and groom him there. That, for me is as Centre Back and at this moment in time he should be starting ahead of Verts in that position and Dembele should be the boss as the holding midfield player and they should all play in their best positions for a run of games! Grrrr

 

[chinaman]

This will certainly make him a better player and we will hopefully see the benefit of that.

But it feels like a cheap stop gap for the club. A tactical solution as they say.

Remember what a similar spell in midfield did to Ledley?

 

[Cinemattis]

We all would have poo poo'd the idea of Harry Kane being our main striker 2 years ago. Give the guy a chance and trust the manager for a while. He's a capable player.

And no manager played Kane every match two years ago either. He was eased into the squad, and then into the team. Kane wasn´t our first choice striker before nearly halfway into last season.

Nothing wrong to play Dier as DM to help his development. But he shouldn´t be played in that position every game.

 

[double0]

We all should just give him a chance, let's see when the penny drops, in terms of his true position.

I have to say so far,: Dier's been good.

 

[shelfmonkey]

Could well prove to be one of our best signings in recent years, but still needs to learn and bulk up a bit. Still think he wants to play CB, but if the DM role works well for him then it will only benefit us as that will naturally free up Mason/Bentaleb/Alli/Dembele to roam forwards.

Also put him on a 'catch a live cow, kill it and eat it raw!!!!' diet, he seems far too nice!!!

 

[Jenko]

Henry was a winger at his age. Trust the boss or Theres no point in any of it.

 

[LexingtonSpurs]

It is funny seeing all the consternation over playing Dier at CM. But, if he was only allowed to play CB, he would have no games yet this season - despite being one of our better players.

Finding room for talented players is a good thing - for the players development, and for the team.

Assuming we bring in a starting CM before the window closes, Dier will move back to CB, right in time to start playing regular games in Europa/Cup.

 

[alamo]

I'm certainly not comparing the two but the one and only Ledley King was played in a similar role and we all know how much of a fantastic player he went on to be.

He's doing a job there and if it contributes to him ultimately becoming a more rounded player then all the better.

That said, a specialist in the position - a Scott Parker type - would be ever so priceless and help balance our team shape.

Edit: I see @chinaman already made the Ledley comparison.

 

[theShiznit]

I'm certainly not comparing the two but the one and only Ledley King was played in a similar role and we all know how much of a fantastic player he went on to be.

He's doing a job there and if it contributes to him ultimately becoming a more rounded player then all the better.

That said, a specialist in the position - a Scott Parker type - would be ever so priceless and help balance our team shape.

Edit: I see @chinaman already made the Ledley comparison.

At the time Ledley was our best midfielder!

Difference being, unbelievable tekkers and composure, never caught in possession and looked like he had all the time in the world, I remember Sherwood (playing alongside Ledders at the time) joked that "I've told Ledley he needs to calm down a bit in possession" (looking back it's probably the only Sherwood quote I remember fondly...)

Ledley was a Roller in any position, Dier has looked a bit cumbersome and has been caught dwelling a number of times already in his short spell in DM, also his use of the ball is quite pedestrian. Maybe he will grow into the role but TBH I don't think he has the attributes to be a top midfielder.

 

[Armstrong_11]

King had the uncanny ability to read the game, he is like Lloris, someone with the ability to be in the right place at the right time.

I agree that Dier doesn't look too comfortable at DM. but... In the medium/long term Dier's value to the team would be his versatility. Would be great having a player who can play in full back, center back and in mid field.

Hopefully he will grow into the role. But I feel he has a bright future with us.

 

[double0]

At the time Ledley was our best midfielder!

Difference being, unbelievable tekkers and composure, never caught in possession and looked like he had all the time in the world, I remember Sherwood (playing alongside Ledders at the time) joked that "I've told Ledley he needs to calm down a bit in possession" (looking back it's probably the only Sherwood quote I remember fondly...)

Ledley was a Roller in any position, Dier has looked a bit cumbersome and has been caught dwelling a number of times already in his short spell in DM, also his use of the ball is quite pedestrian. Maybe he will grow into the role but TBH I don't think he has the attributes to be a top midfielder.

I disagree Dier has looked cumbersome. Looking at his role without influence of thought ( what we think he should be) Dier has been very composed, surprisingly I may say imo.
Pochettinho and the coaching staff believe his capable, tbh I feel his going good....Bentaleb hasn't been on his game and that will happen being a young player at this moment Dier Mason is the best pick.

My feeling though is I like the combination of Mason Bentaleb.

 

[theShiznit]

King had the uncanny ability to read the game, he is like Lloris, someone with the ability to be in the right place at the right time.

I agree that Dier doesn't look too comfortable at DM. but... In the medium/long term Dier's value to the team would be his versatility. Would be great having a player who can play in full back, center back and in mid field.

Hopefully he will grow into the role. But I feel he has a bright future with us.

The danger in being thought of as a utility player is that he never really becomes a first choice in any position and will never truly master one position. At this stage of his career that's not a problem as he can learn in all three positions, not least what to expect of his CM's (when playing CB) and vice versa.

Hopefully he will learn quickly though, and I am sure Poch will reward his willingness to help the team in alien positions by keeping him in the squad when (if) better alternatives are bought in.