- May 8, 2005
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Yesterday was marked by the announcing of the shortlists for the PFA player of the year awards. Harry Kane was nominated for both, and Dele Alli nominated for the young player award. Most of the discussion around the shortlist focussed on how Toby Alderweireld was unlucky to miss out. Spurs also launched their player of the year award to be voted for by members. All over twitter and message boards I've seen lots of support for Toby, but I wonder if we're overlooking someone.
Much has been made of the dramatic turn around in our defensive play since this time last year. We finished last season with the 4th worst defensive record in the league despite finishing 5th in the league. It was clear defensive work would be needed over the summer, and the arrival of Toby Alderweireld to partner Jan Vertonghen in the heart of our defence would appear on first viewing to be the change that has mattered most.
Now, I don't want to detract from the impact Alderweireld has had in this team, or belittle his performances at all. He's been imperious and a rock all season. But, with that said, I think there is another player who is more directly responsible for the improvement in our defensive stability, if we have to level it at one player.
Step forward Eric Dier. Way back in the middle of last summer, there were a large number of fans pulling their hair out as what they'd hoped was some sort of pre-season power play to get Levy to buy a defensive midfielder, turned into Eric "he's a centreback" Dier starting our opening game of the season, and most that have followed, in the centre of midfield.
The biggest difference from last season to this, is the system. We press better as a collective, we are more clever in regard to where and when we press. But positionally, Dier's deep role has given us a stability that we didn't have before. We are able to attack more forcefully without leaving ourselves over exposed at the back.
A case in point would be to look at the games against Dortmund. Away, we were most significantly under strength in two positions; upfront and in the centre of midfield. Without Dier in the middle our shape was lost and our backline was hideously exposed. As good as Toby Alderweireld is, and he is bloody good, he couldn't stop us losing in the way we did. At home Dier came back into the team, and whilst the tie was largely done, and perhaps Dortmund didn't go at us as hard as they did in the first, it's hard to tell how much of that was also due to the presence of Dier in the middle, shoring us up.
Alderweireld has been a great signing for us this season, and is without a doubt in my mind the best centre back in the league at this moment in time. But with regards to his importance for Spurs this season, I'd argue the player that comes out on top is Eric Dier.
I love Eric Dier. Eric Dier loves me.
Much has been made of the dramatic turn around in our defensive play since this time last year. We finished last season with the 4th worst defensive record in the league despite finishing 5th in the league. It was clear defensive work would be needed over the summer, and the arrival of Toby Alderweireld to partner Jan Vertonghen in the heart of our defence would appear on first viewing to be the change that has mattered most.
Now, I don't want to detract from the impact Alderweireld has had in this team, or belittle his performances at all. He's been imperious and a rock all season. But, with that said, I think there is another player who is more directly responsible for the improvement in our defensive stability, if we have to level it at one player.
Step forward Eric Dier. Way back in the middle of last summer, there were a large number of fans pulling their hair out as what they'd hoped was some sort of pre-season power play to get Levy to buy a defensive midfielder, turned into Eric "he's a centreback" Dier starting our opening game of the season, and most that have followed, in the centre of midfield.
The biggest difference from last season to this, is the system. We press better as a collective, we are more clever in regard to where and when we press. But positionally, Dier's deep role has given us a stability that we didn't have before. We are able to attack more forcefully without leaving ourselves over exposed at the back.
A case in point would be to look at the games against Dortmund. Away, we were most significantly under strength in two positions; upfront and in the centre of midfield. Without Dier in the middle our shape was lost and our backline was hideously exposed. As good as Toby Alderweireld is, and he is bloody good, he couldn't stop us losing in the way we did. At home Dier came back into the team, and whilst the tie was largely done, and perhaps Dortmund didn't go at us as hard as they did in the first, it's hard to tell how much of that was also due to the presence of Dier in the middle, shoring us up.
Alderweireld has been a great signing for us this season, and is without a doubt in my mind the best centre back in the league at this moment in time. But with regards to his importance for Spurs this season, I'd argue the player that comes out on top is Eric Dier.
I love Eric Dier. Eric Dier loves me.
