Tottenham defender Eric Dier feels criticism of his performances ‘a bit unfair’

Tottenham defender Eric Dier feels he has been harshly judged for his performances this season.

Dier has made a number of costly errors that led to goals, noticeably in defeats to Liverpool, Chelsea and West Ham, and received a lot of criticism for them.

Former boss Jose Mourinho chopped and changed him from the team and also said he was suffering from a lack of confidence – something that Dier later denied.

However, the England international has found himself back in the side under interim boss Ryan Mason and has looked much more assured.

“I believe I can still perform to a much higher level. I’m happy to be playing, obviously, and I’ve just got to keep working hard and improving.

“I’ve got mixed emotions towards it really. At times, I feel like it’s a bit unfair and a bit… I’m trying to think of the right words… but sometimes I’ve made a mistake or something has led to a goal and one mistake is talked about like it’s four or five. I’ve felt that at times.

“I think fans have seen what I can do in glimpses, especially at the beginning of the season. I think I had a very good first six months and it dropped a little bit for a few games. But I feel like I’ve been back to a good place for a couple of months now.

“Just the narrative I see that is painted of me, at times. It doesn’t really bother me too much. I just think it’s a bit unfair at times. It’s football.

“I just need to worry about myself and keep trying to do better. But I’m my own biggest critic and I know where I can improve and when I can improve.”

Eric Dier gave a penalty away against Chelsea with a stupid tackle
Eric Dier gave a penalty away against Chelsea with a poor tackle (Clive Rose/PA)

“I’ve always said the most important thing is focusing on the present, game by game, constantly trying to perform at a good level,” he said.

“But obviously I want to be going to the Euros, so I have to keep performing well in order to give myself that opportunity.”

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