Tottenham star Eric Dier says his decision to switch from midfield to centre-back was one he took even before the arrival of Jose Mourinho.
Eric Dier says his full-time switch to centre-back was a choice he had considered while Mauricio Pochettino was still the head coach at Spurs.
The 26-year-old says he felt the time to switch from midfield to his preferred defensive position.
Dier went through his plans with former boss Pochettino and says Mourinho gave him his chance. He was deployed in defence for Spurs following their defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League last season.
The 26-year-old has become one of Mourinho’s first-choice central defenders this term. On the international scene, he has also started five of England’s eight games in that position this season.
Dier told Sky Sports News: “It was something we spoke about (when Jose Mourinho arrived). It was a decision I actually made before the manager arrived here.
“It was something on my mind for a while and I spoke with Pochettino over various seasons. I felt the time was right in terms of my age, in terms of what I done and my career.
Dier continued on his position switch: “I felt I needed to make that commitment and move forward, I had the conversation with the manager when he arrived and he respected that.
“He said ‘It’s up to you’. After the Chelsea game last season where he lost, he said ‘Now is your chance and you need to show me now’. I’m grateful for the opportunity to prove myself there. It is where I feel most confident.”
With Dier in the heart of defence, Tottenham are the only side yet to concede double figure goals in the league this term. They will be looking to shut out their north London rivals when they face off in a much-anticipated derby on Sunday.
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