Is 22-year-old Eric Dier already one of Tottenham’s key players?

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This has been one of the most turbulent seasons in Premier League history. Chelsea; still the defending champions by definition at least, spent the first months of the campaign nearer to the Championship then they were to the retaining their championship trophy. Manchester City and Arsenal; two traditional powerhouses in recent years, both made early pushes for the title, but have since had poor runs of form that can mainly be attributed to injuries. Manchester United has had a solid defence, but can only grind out draws and the occasional win. Liverpool has been in transition under Jurgen Klopp for several months, since firing Brendan Rogers in October.

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Meanwhile, Leicester City and Tottenham are battling for the title. Leicester’s unbelievable rise has rightly been the story of the season, as a team that was destined for relegation last Christmas are now the champions-elect. However, Tottenham’s transformation from a Europa League team whose hopes more than expectations lay in nipping a Champions League spot, into a title contender; and possibly the strongest overall squad in the league, is just as remarkable.

One player has been as central to this transformation as any. I am not referring to Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Erik Lamela, Toby Alderweireld, nor Jan Vertonghen. Eric Dier’s transition from a centre-back into a defensive midfielder has been absolutely crucial in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans. His versatility in both attack and defence gives Spurs vast amounts of flexibility, and grants the players around Dier creative freedom. He is crucial to Tottenham’s counter-press, as well as their established defence. Dier is rightly a near certainty for England’s XI at the Euros this summer. Read on to find out what I think are the reasons why he has been so outstanding for Tottenham this season.