Tottenham Hotspur has been told that bringing in a “huge caliber center-half” is the first thing they need to change about their squad.
Spurs can expect themselves to be busy in the transfer market as long as Antonio Conte is at the helm. The head coach is notoriously demanding when it comes to player recruitment. His reign has encompassed two transfer windows so far, both of which have included some useful deals.
For example, in January 2022, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski arrived to add further fuel to Tottenham’s eventually successful pursuit of a top-four finish.
Then, in the summer that followed, they added further to their squad with the likes of Richarlison, Ivan Perisic, and Clement Lenglet.
The latter added to their options at center-back, which has been an area of scrutiny at times for the club. Lenglet can play in the same back three as Eric Dier and Cristian Romero most often.
However, Tottenham’s defensive record leaves a little to be desired. Most recently, they conceded twice against Brentford before battling back to draw 2-2 on Boxing Day.
Spurs have conceded comfortably the highest number of goals out of the teams currently in the top four of the Premier League. Therefore, they might need to invest further in their backline.
According to Football Insider pundit Frank McAvennie, Dier in particular does not deserve his place. That said, just bringing in one upgrade could change things instantly.
McAvennie told Football Insider: “I can’t believe that they think Dier is the best center-half at the club.
“I still think he is a midfield player. I just do not know why they do not go out and buy a center half. Go and buy one of the big boys if they want to compete.
“Look at the difference with [Virgil] van Dijk at Liverpool. It changed overnight and that is what could happen in Tottenham. Go out and buy a top center-half.
“It is no disrespect to Dier. Tottenham is a big club and Dier has a mistake in him.
“So I would think bringing in a huge caliber center-half would be the first thing that would change the club. I think it would be a win-win. I just do not understand why they are not doing that.”
Eric Dier is decent enough – but Tottenham might need more
It remains to be seen who Tottenham might be able to bring in to improve their defense. Lenglet is only at the club on loan from Barcelona, so they do need to start weighing up their options beyond this season.
Perhaps the central option in the back three is what Tottenham needs to think about most. Dier can be comfortable there but still divides opinions.
That said, he did well enough in the position earlier this year to earn a place in England’s squad for the World Cup. Therefore, he can still contribute as a defender.
But if Tottenham wants to aim high and end their trophy drought, maybe they do need to add someone more solid than Dier.
READ MORE: Tottenham to complete the masterful transfer with electric World Cup ace to oust disastrous signing
Leave a Reply