Spurs defender Eric Dier lauded by Jamie Redknapp

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Jamie Redknapp has told Sky Sports (broadcast on 5/1; 22:04) that Spurs defender Eric Dier has improved beyond all recognition following Tottenham Hotspur’s Carabao Cup semi-final win.

Jose Mourinho’s men are through to the final. They beat Brentford 2-0 on Tuesday. Obviously, it was another clean sheet for the home side.

Spurs did come under pressure at times. And the visitors did find the back of the net at one stage only for it to be ruled out for offside. But it was a solid defensive performance from Tottenham’s backline.

Dier has been excellent for much of this season. And Redknapp hinted that he did not see the Spurs defender improving as much as he has done in recent times.

“For a while, he was a bit of a utility player, played midfield, played at the back. Right now, he’s stamping his authority on every single game for Spurs,” he told Sky Sports. “I think in the documentary, he came across as one player that was a leader in that dressing room.

“And Jose identified that really quickly, and he’s improved beyond all recognition. I have to be honest, I thought he was a decent centre-back, but now he’s a become a very, very good centre-back.”

It is remarkable to recall the levels of criticism Dier was receiving just last season. In fairness, it is surely reasonable to suggest that he was well short of his best for some time.

His versatility almost seemed to cost him as his development continued. But he now looks to be benefitting from concentrating on one role in the Tottenham side.

And as his 27th birthday approaches this month, there is every reason to believe that he should continue to get better as reaches what could be the peak years of his career.