Poch: Dier gamble paid off
MAURICIO POCHETTINO claims his “big risk” of playing Eric Dier in midfield has been a huge success.
England star Dier, 23, scored on his club debut at the old Upton Park in August 2014 – the last time Spurs won at West Ham.
The former Sporting Lisbon trainee signed as a centre-back, but is now an England regular in the midfield role, and Jose Mourinho tried to sign him this summer.
Before returning to the London Stadium tomorrow, Pochettino said: “I think we feel very proud about him.
“When we signed him more than three years ago, I think it was maybe our first signing when we arrived at Tottenham.
“Against West Ham, he played as a centre-back with Younes Kaboul. Kyle Naughton was sent off and Dier played like a full-back and scored at the end.
“When we signed Toby Alderweireld [in July 2015], we took a big risk not signing another midfielder, to give Eric the possibility of fitting into that position on the pitch and it was fantastic.
“Our decision to be brave paid off because, in football, you must take risks if you want to win.”