Underperforming Dier must kickstart his season in tough Barcelona clash

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Eric Dier is clearly a favourite at club and international level, popular with both Mauricio Pochettino and Gareth Southgate.

However, the suspicion persists that his discipline and versatility make him a strong squad player; not a guaranteed starter as he has been at Tottenham so far this season.

He has anchored the Spurs midfield for much of the campaign, and it is clear that his performances must improve.

Dier’s mobility in the centre of the pitch is generally a concern; too often, he looks like a central defender playing out of position rather than the quality holding midfielder he looked set to be when he broke into the team in 2015.

So far this season, he has been even slower than usual. Slow to get to the ball, close people down and slow once he gets on the ball to play.

From that point of view, this midweek’s Champions League opponents are the worst possible once for Dier.

Barcelona pop the ball around at speed and press for fun; they turn the midfield into no place for pondering.

Dier has to kick his season into life during the visit of the Catalans, or his poor form could cost Tottenham on the big stage.