Of course, there have been ups and downs in his 144 matches - some wonderful Premier League and Champions League performances and results, League Cup and semi-final defeats - but more ups, one would suggest, as we all recover from the hammer blow of an FA Cup semi-final defeat against Manchester United at Wembley last weekend.
As the figures state, Eric has been a staple in a Spurs team that has finished third and then second in the Premier League and now bids to quality for the Champions League for the third-successive season.
England recognition has followed in that time and Eric looks likely to represent the Three Lions in his second major tournament at this summer’s World Cup.