It’s fair to say that Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier does split opinions amongst the fan base and the same is true when he represents the England national side.
With England’s entirely unexpected 3-2 victory over Spain for the first time in over 30 years I believe earlier this week, the praise was certainly flowing around following the fulltime whistle and a number of players were picked out for praise in recognition of their efforts.
Eric Dier’s early thumping tackle on Sergio Ramos certainly featured as many believe it set the tone for the first half, as did Harry Kane’s double assist on the day and Harry Winks’ showing amongst other things, but one time England manager Sam Allardyce, by consensus, went a little bit too far and he probably rightly called out by Rio Ferdinand – Ferdinand was far from alone on social media either.
Come on Big Sam!!
Busquets has been the best holding midfielder for years & been an integral part in @FCBarcelona & Spain’s most successful periods….”he’s no better than Eric Dier” ????????????????
With all due respect @ericdier himself would be embarrassed with that comment! https://t.co/9Sz9QER4hE— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 16, 2018
Dier often doesn’t get the praise his efforts deserve because he’s not a shiny player that wows with a moment of brilliance, and he undoubtedly played his part in the victory and he often does similar for Spurs, but you don’t make comparisons like that on the back of one game. Allardyce has since qualified his comments to say basically that, admitted Busquets was the wrong player for a comparison – and on that point I can agree.
Whatever happens, let’s hope Dier takes all the confidence he can as at his age there is definitely room for further improvement and no player should look to stand still.