According to a recent report by the Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa are leading the chase to secure the services of Tottenham Hotspur midfield ace Eric Dier during the winter transfer period. The United Kingdom bookmakers have also made the Villans the favourites at 10/1 to land the Spurs talent in January ahead of West Ham United and Everton with the bookies pricing both those clubs at 14/1 (via the Birmingham Mail).
Dier’s Fall From Grace In The English Top-Flight
Dier has fallen out of favour with his manager Mauricio Pochettino and currently finds himself on the fringes of the Tottenham squad. The English midfield general has not received too many first-team opportunities at the North London club this season. The 25-year-old has featured in three matches for Spurs this term but is yet to open his goal-scoring account for this campaign.
It is quite a surprise to see Dier fall off the pace at North London especially after his impressive campaign under Pochettino’s stewardship in the last term. However, he has struggled to find consistency on the field which explains why Pochettino has decided to play Harry Winks, Tanguy Ndombele and Moussa Sissoko ahead of him.
However, with matches coming thick and fast in the Premier League during the winter months, the Spurs outcast might get an opportunity to prove his worth to the Tottenham manager once again. Even then, the former Sporting CP academy graduate should strongly consider parting ways with the North London outfit in January as he could play a more prominent role at a lesser club.
What Does The Spurs Outcast Offer On The Field?
Dier is a commanding presence at the middle of the park as he has a strong frame which helps win a lot 50-50 aerial duels against the opposition. When playing with confidence on the field, he can make some crucial interceptions for his side.
However, the English midfield ace lacks pace and struggles to make up the ground when left isolated in a 1v1 foot-race with the opposition attacker. The Cheltenham-born talent needs to be more creative with his passing and has to find a way to be consistent on the pitch.
Should Pochettino Sanction Dier’s Departure In January?
It seems like Pochettino does not fancy playing Dier in the bigger matches which doesn’t bode well for his future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Hence, letting the Englishman leave in January could be the best move for Spurs at this moment. It would free up cap space for Pochettino to bring in some fresh faces this winter.
