Eric Dier made a rare start in Jose Mourinho’s first game in charge away at West Ham, but fans weren’t too impressed with his performance.
It is perhaps no surprise that Mourinho threw Dier straight into the starting line-up at the London Stadium, with the former 56-year-old manager having tried to sign the English international on several occasions during his time at Manchester United. It was Dier’s fourth start of the season for Spurs (prior to tonight) and the 25-year-old spoke highly of Mourinho, saying to ESPN (via TalkingTHFC): “For me, it’s very special to be able to play for him.”
It is no surprise that Dier is a big fan of Mourinho, perhaps due to his time with Sporting Lisbon; who he spent his youth with before moving to Spurs in 2015. The defensive midfielder is therefore fluent in Portuguese, giving him a unique connection with the new boss.
Should Eric Dier be starting for Spurs?
Yes
No
Despite earning a 6.94 rating for his display against West Ham, many fans felt he was the weak link in the side, as can be seen in the tweets from Spurs fans below.
“For me, it’s very special to be able to play for him.”
Eric Dier on Jose Mourinho becoming Tottenham Hotspur manager. #COYS pic.twitter.com/NBIqGluu8A
— Talking THFC (@TalkingTHFC) November 24, 2019
He needs to improve to get a regular spot
— Spellbrook (@divermla) November 24, 2019
He is a good player but very irregular like Lucas, both will benefit from the entry of Mourinho
— Alex (@mcenriquerhee) November 24, 2019
I love him as a person but sorry but I thought he was our weakest player yesterday.
— Martin Smith (@smithstontinsm) November 24, 2019
Drop a stone, shape up, or it won’t be for much longer!
— Mike stevens (@logsky) November 24, 2019
On the ball he wasn’t great but from a defensive point of view he was always in the right place and won everything in the air
— ??Ethan?? (@ethanthfc99) November 24, 2019
It seems as if a lot of Spurs fans think that Dier underperformed in the game at West Ham and it looks as if fans’ opinions of the midfielder won’t have improved after witnessing his performance tonight, with an early exit.
What do we think?
Dier, who is valued at £27 million (Transfermarkt), has had limited game time so far this season so was always likely to be a little rusty when thrown into Mourinho’s midfield.
He really needs to knuckle down and perform to a high standard if he is to stand any chance of securing a permanent place in the side, with Moussa Sissoko waiting in the wings.