LOOKING DIER FOR OUR TITLE RIVALS
Eric determined to win league for Tottenham
ERIC Dier believes Spurs are genuine league title contenders this season.
Tottenham have been cut to 5/1 third favourites after their comfortable 2-0 win against Manchester City at the weekend.
The bookies still have Pep’s lads shorter in the betting with Liverpool 11/8 market leaders.
But Dier thinks manager Jose Mourinho has instilled a winning mentality that the Londoners have never had before.
And the players are all determined to deliver a title for the Special One.
Dier said: “As players, we want to perform for him.
“He’s created a fantastic atmosphere, a fantastic camaraderie in the dressing room. We all want to perform for him. And to anyone saying those kind of things, as players we want to prove them wrong for him. And I think we did that.
“I don’t think teams enjoy playing us. I think we’re physical, I think we’re aggressive, I think we’re determined, we’ve got a good attitude and the manager has definitely brought an extra edge to that.
“He’s more demanding in certain areas and ruthless with you individually and as a team, so he’s definitely increased our resilience a bit as well.”
Dier has been reborn as a central defender thanks to Mourinho’s coaching.
After looking all at sea in the heart of midfield, he is now forming a really strong partnership at the back with Toby Alderweireld.
The Belgian had to limp off against City and losing him would be an issue.
Dier added: “We’ve been defending really well.
“Three clean sheets in our last four and Toby’s been a big part of that.
“I thought on Saturday again he made some fantastic interceptions, tackles, blocks when he needed to.
“So obviously any player in this squad getting injured is a big loss for us and Toby’s no different.”
There aren’t too many options for Mourinho to slot in alongside Dier if his regular partner has to sit out a few games.
Young Welsh international Joe Rodon came on for his first appearance since signing from Swansea in the summer.
Dier thinks the 23-year-old can step up if needed.
He added: “Of course he is ready to fill in. Everyone in the team is ready to step in if called up.
“There’s a fantastic feeling within the squad. Everyone has put their individuality aside and is in this for something bigger than that, which is the collective of the team and the team winning games.
“We haven’t really spent a lot of time together since he arrived.
“From what I can see, he’s very humble, very hardworking. From what I can see he has a fantastic mentality to want to work, to improve.
“And I know the Welsh boys speak very highly of him. We’re excited for him to be able to help the team.”