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Tottenham Hotspur: Ex-Premier League striker claims Eric Dier shouldn’t be in Spurs’ defence
Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier has been blasted by former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie.
The Lowdown: Time out for Dier
Dier had started his season in impressive form, starting all four of Spurs’ opening top flight games as they earned triple 1-0 victories to jump to the top of the Premier League table.
But on Saturday, Dier and Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were handed their first blow of the season as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at London rivals Crystal Palace, with the England international forced off with an injury after just 12 minutes.
It is unknown how long the 27-year-old is set to miss, but he has received criticism from McAvennie following the defeat to Patrick Viera’s men.
The Latest: McAvennie blasts Dier
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie has claimed that Spurs shouldn’t reintroduce the former Sporting Lisbon man to the XI when he recovers from injury.
The former Celtic and Hammers forward has insisted that the £19.8million-rated man never possessed the qualities required to play at centre-back anyway.
He said: “Eric Dier has never been a centre half.
“When you watch him you can see that he just hasn’t got it.
“They have tried to make a space for him in the team.
“They don’t need him in the midfield, and he doesn’t do it at the back. He never has been a defender and never will be.”
The Verdict: Harsh but true
The harsh reality is that Dier’s previous backs McAvennie’s point up. When Nuno has all his regular defenders back, with Davinson Sanchez and Cristian Romero missing the game, Dier is likely to drop to the bench or move to midfield.
Dier, who has been labelled ‘sensational‘ in the past by former Lilywhite Jermaine Jenas, will now miss at least Thursday’s UEFA Conference League trip to Rennes and maybe Sunday’s vital game with Chelsea.
Falling to defeat at Palace wasn’t Dier’s fault as he was off for over 75 minutes, but if his injury is a lengthy one, it may prove difficult to force his way back in once Romero has settled.
In other news, Spurs have set their sights on teenage Championship sensation. Find out more here.
