---
title: "Tottenham Hotspur: Ledley King makes Eric Dier claim"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-ledley-king-makes-eric-dier-claim/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Clubbe"
section: "Tottenham Hotspur News"
published: "2022-04-17T08:20:57Z"
modified: "2022-04-17T08:20:57Z"
---

# Tottenham Hotspur: Ledley King makes Eric Dier claim

**Tottenham Hotspur legend Ledley King has been waxing lyrical about central defender Eric Dier.**

### The lowdown: Regular feature

Dier has been a mainstay for Spurs this season, completing 90 minutes on [28 occasions](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/eric-dier/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/175722/saison/2021/wettbewerb/GB1/verein/148) from 29 outings overall in the Premier League.

Having transformed from a defensive midfielder, the 28-year-old has formed a solid trio alongside Ben Davies and Cristian Romero under Antonio Conte in recent months.

Despite facing early [criticism](https://www.footballinsider247.com/eric-dier-pundit-slams-tottenham-star-dont-kid-yourself-youre-not-a-defender/) having moved back into defence, a fellow top-level centre-back has been hailing Dier’s recent form…

### The latest: King impressed

Speaking during [BT Sport’s coverage](https://www.bt.com/sport/football/premier-league/fixtures-and-results/2021-2022/04-16-tottenham-hotspur-v-brighton-hove-albion) prior to the defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion, ex-Spurs stalwart King was full of praise for the England ace:

“Do you know what? With Eric, it was his first proper season as a centre-half – where he committed to being a centre-half – last season. So I think he found it a little bit difficult. This season, with a year under his belt, he seems a lot more confident.

“But one thing that struck me about Eric straight away was that he was a leader. He was a vocal player on the pitch and I think someone like him has been perfect for Romero. He’s a really intelligent guy too, he speaks different languages so it’s helped definitely.”

### The verdict: Transformation complete

There can be no doubt Dier has endured a difficult spell in what was at one stage a blossoming career for the [45-cap](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/eric-dier/nationalmannschaft/spieler/175722/verein_id/3299) England man. Despite one-time being a shoo-in for the Three Lions, the Cheltenham-born defender now hasn’t appeared for Gareth Southgate’s side since November 2020.

However, following some early struggles as a central defender, this season Dier boasts an impressive 6.96 average rating in the Premier League, helping to keep 12 clean sheets and making 3.7 clearances per game ([Sofascore](https://www.sofascore.com/player/eric-dier/146101)).

With a World Cup in Qatar to come at the end of 2022, a potential [top-four finish](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) and UEFA Champions League football on the horizon, Dier will no doubt welcome the recognition for an upturn in form ahead of a monumental year.

***In other news: Tottenham eyeing move for European based defender, find out more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-transfer-rumours/tottenham-hotspur-turkish-report-shares-kim-min-jae-update/).***