Danny Murphy thinks Eric Dier’s time at Tottenham Hotspur is running out after being sidelined by Ange Postecoglou.
It’s not about bad blood between player and manager, far from it, but simply the fact that Tottenham’s summer-appointed boss doesn’t see Eric Dier in his plans for the future.
Since Ange Postecoglou entered the building on Hotspur Way, he has played just 198 minutes of Premier League football with his senior centre-back.
This is despite Micky van de Ven being injured and Cristian Romero going on his usual route of suspensions and then suffering another recent injury.
Danny Murphy has pointed out that the reason for all this is Eric Dier’s “lack of pace” and “physicality” as he can’t play this new fearless brand of football at Tottenham, as he told talkSPORT.
When you have two full-backs playing in front of you, in this case Emerson Royal and Ben Davies, then you know your time is up.
And with Eric Dier’s contract expiring in 2024, it’s quite obvious that it’s a question of when he’ll leave and where, not if.
Eric Dier will leave Tottenham:
“I think it’s one of those situations where you fall out of favour and lose some confidence,” Murphy said.
“Physically he doesn’t suit Tottenham’s way of playing at the moment, playing down the high line and needing pace, so I don’t think he’s part of the future.
“He has done well at Tottenham over the years. He probably has a good contract, but they are not willing to extend it and pay the same money, so he is looking for other options. Sometimes it’s a balance between things on and off the pitch.
“But he’s a decent player for someone because he can play in the middle of the park and he can play in the middle of the park. I think there will be some people interested in Dier.”
Will Eric Dier stay in the Premier League?
When the 29-year-old joined Spurs, he came from Sporting Lisbon and there are suggestions that such a possible move is in sight.
If the player wanted to, he could now sign a pre-contract with the Portuguese club.
But if he wants to stay in the Premier League and see out his contract, he will have to wait until the summer, as there are suggestions that West Ham United want to take him on.