Dier: 'Adapting makes me a better footballer'

The former Sporting Lisbon youngster was a revelation in central midfield last season alongside Mousa Dembele, often dropping in to join centre-backs Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen and bolstering our defensive operation.

Having made himself an England regular thanks to his efforts in that role, he’s been equally impressive in our colours as part of a back three alongside Toby and Jan for the bulk of the current campaign before reprising his anchor role next to Mousa in recent weeks in the absence of Victor Wanyama.

Typically for such a focused individual, Eric has given his all in both positions and with the squad now boosted by Victor’s return to fitness, he says he remains totally…