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Tottenham cold have a very precarious situation with their centre backs this summer, but could Eric Dier fill the void if Toby Alderweireld leaves the club?
Alderweireld has been constantly linked with a move away from Spurs since it was revealed that he has a £25m release clause this summer.
And while the Lilywhites are interested in Joachim Andersen as a possible replacement, Football.London report the Sampdoria star’s age could prevent the move.
Signing the 23 year-old would leave Mauricio Pochettino with just one experienced option in Jan Vertonghen, with the rest of his defensive ranks made up by youngsters.
Because of this, Football.London’s report claims Pochettino could turn to Dier at centre-back, a role he believes the Englishman has huge potential in.
Our trusty writers at Football FanCast have given their verdicts on whether the 25 year-old Dier is capable of replacing Alderweireld…
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Billy Meyers
“I’ve always thought Dier is a better centre-back than he is a midfielder, given the fact that I feel he tends to get caught out when in midfield due to a visible lack of technical skills. He is far better suited to being the big lump at the back who can head things clear and get his body in the way of shots. Of course, if Spurs can buy a new one to replace Alderweireld they should, but the reported pursuits of Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso look likely to cost upwards of £50m, so moving Dier back could help Spurs afford the midfield pair as well as replace the Belgian.”
Charles Jones
“Although Dier is a competent centre-back, Alderweireld has consistently proven himself to be one of the best in the league, making the PFA Team of the Year in 2016. Spurs shouldn’t sacrifice the quality he brings to their squad. Tottenham seem to be on the verge of winning something after getting into the Champions League final last year, and the worst thing they could do right now is to replace a world-class player with someone who doesn’t posses the same ability. Perhaps the England international could be a good backup if Spurs bring in a new defender to replace the Belgian, but he shouldn’t be seen as Aldeweireld’s successor.”
Harry Sherlock
“Using Dier as a centre-back is not the way forward for Tottenham. Yes, he’s a perfectly adequate defender but he’s absolutely nowhere near the level of Alderweireld, a genuinely world-class centre-back who will be missed by everyone at the club if he leaves. At best, Dier should be a back-up option, the kind of player who can slot into the back four if needs require it but never as a first-choice. If Alderweireld leaves, it is understandable that Spurs would look to replace him with a player already at the club, but Dier isn’t the one to do it. In reality, Daniel Levy will have to spend some money to fill the hole left by the Belgium international. “
