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Antonio Conte Claims Tottenham Hotspur Centre Back Could Be One Of The Best In The World

Antonio Conte Claims Tottenham Hotspur Centre Back Could Be One Of The Best In The World

Conte thinks one of his players at Tottenham suits his system so perfectly and could become one of the best centre backs in the world.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Antonio Conte has made a bold claim about one his Tottenham Hotspur players, claiming he could become one of the best centre backs in the world.


Conte took over at Spurs in November, following the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santos after a loss to Manchester United, and is yet to lose in the Premier League since his move back to England.

The dramatic draw against Liverpool at the weekend had its controversies but it was still an excellent performance from Conte's team.

The Italian is known to build his teams from a solid base, playing with five at the back, and the former Inter Milan manager is quite taken by the form of Eric Dier in defence.

Conte believes that five at the back is working perfectly for the 27-year-old and believes he has the ability to become one of the best in the world in his position.

"Eric Dier can become one of the best players in the world in that position," the Spurs boss said in his pre match press conference ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter final with West Ham.

"For sure he needs to work and continue to improve and understand the movement with the defensive line.

"He has to lead more, because in that position you have to speak a lot because you have to stay in the middle, at the back where you can see everything.

"He has a great space for improvement but we are talking about a really good player, strong physically with a good personality and good technically because he was a midfielder.

"This role is perfect for him. He has to continue this way because he can become one of the best central defenders."

Dier has impressed Conte since the Italian's arrival in north London. Image: PA Images
Dier has impressed Conte since the Italian's arrival in north London. Image: PA Images

Dier, who was praised earlier this season for his heroics during Spurs game with Newcastle United for helping to save a fan's life, has played every minute in the league under Conte.

He didn't start the game in the Europa Conference League against Mura, the embarrassing defeat that helped knock them out of the competition, which ended up being down to Covid.

The England international, who didn't play for Gareth Southgate's team this year, will be expecting to play against West Ham and his form could even see him earn a place back in the national team.

Featured Image Credit: PA/Sky Sports

Topics: Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur, Eric Dier, Antonio Conte

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

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@Sidler28