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

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Counter-pressing

For starters, if you don’t know what counter-pressing is, or the furthest extent of your knowledge comes courtesy of a brief explanation on TV, Tim Palmer or Rene Maric’s articles are good starters, as is this video.

Also vital to Pochettino’s philosophy is aggressive counterpressing. His use of Juego de Posicion fits this defensive strategy since in attack, Tottenham players are all mainly grouped in the centre, making it easier to press any potential counter-attacks.

Dier is crucial to this aspect of Tottenham’s play as well. While Lamela, Alli, Eriksen and Kane put on the first line of pressure; especially when Tottenham lose the ball deep in the opponents half, it is Dier who is the second line, waiting to clean up anything that makes it through the counter-press.

Dier is an expert in using his body to shift players in the direction he wants them to go and; in tandem with Alderweireld and Vertonghen, does a very good job of forcing players on the ball to the outside of the field, where they can be isolated and pressed more easily by the remainder of the side.

Tottenham play a risky but so far effective game, with a high and very fluid defensive line. Without an efficient counter-press that can at least slow opposition attacks, Spurs’ defence wouldn’t be anywhere near the quality they have been this year. Dier’s discipline and technical skill plays a massive part in that.

In conclusion, Eric Dier has been superb this season, and will surely at least be considered to be one of many Tottenham players in the Premier League’s best XI. He will be vital for England’s chances at the Euros this summer too, assuming that Roy Hodgson understands how to apply his players’ strengths most effectively.

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