Mauricio Pochettino has challenged Eric Dier to prove he is indispensable in one position if he wants to avoid being used as both a defender and midfielder at Tottenham.
Dier has been deployed predominantly in holding midfield this season, but may have found himself in defence more often were it not for a knee injury to Victor Wanyama.
With Wanyama expected to be out for another three weeks and summer signing Davinson Sanchez delivering assured performances at the back, Dier is likely to continue further forward for a while longer.
The 23-year-old, however, has grown accustomed to the role of utility man under Pochettino, who has used him as centre-back in both a defensive pair and trio, as well as midfield and, occasionally, right-back.