Last season was so Dier admits Eric
ERIC Dier says he’s come back stronger after enduring the worst 18 months of his career.
The Tottenham and England star has had a tough time since having an emergency op to remove his appendix in December 2018.
He hasn’t been the same since with the lowest point coming when he climbed into the crowd to confront an abusive supporter.
Now the 26- year- old says he’s used lockdown to sort himself out and is in the best physical shape of his life.
Dier — who can play in midfield or defence — is an important part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad again after dropping down the pecking order.
And he insists the coming season will see a full return to form.
Dier said: “I have had an extended break, which I hadn’t had for a long time.
Crazy
“It gave me time to reflect on where I was at and have a good understanding of where I wanted to get to and what I needed to do to get there.
“And it gave me the opportunity to have an extended block of training, which I hadn’t had for a long time, which was really good for me.
“It just gave me a chance to re- set after a crazy year. It was very helpful, it gave me a lot, really. I used it in the best way.”
Dier admits he’s been a long way from his best over the past couple of seasons.
From being one of the Premier League’s
brightest stars he lost his place at Spurs and was rumoured to be on his way out. He wants to put that firmly behind him and shine for boss Jose Mourinho.
It looks as though the Special One will play him in defence as Spurs get used to life without Jan Vertonghen.
He added: “It was a very difficult time for me. I actually felt very good coming back for pre- season last season, but then I had unexpected surgery which made me miss pre- season and kind of threw me off.
“From there, it was very difficult and an up and down season. It wasn’t enjoyable.
“I am really happy with where I was postlockdown. I felt very good then and kind of disappointed to go on holiday.
“I feel like I am going to feel very good, pick up where I left off. I’m really happy to be back.”