Eric Dier has revealed that Tottenham’s ‘principles’ have united Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad so far this season.
The Englishman has often been the subject of criticism at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but has enjoyed a solid start to the new Premier League campaign after helping to keep three clean sheets in three consecutive 1-0 victories.
Espirito Santo’s side are the league’s early leaders, and speaking after their most recent win over Watford on Sunday, the centre-back confirmed why that is.
“We’re all really happy, most importantly to get the win before the international break, and finish with three wins (from the first three games),” Dier told Tottenhamhotspur.com.
“We’ve had very different games, and this was the first one where we had a lot more control. We want to build on that and have more control in every game.
“Within the three games, we’ve kept our principles, and our principles are the same, the manager really emphasises that, and we know together, as a unit, we can be very strong.”
Spurs have certainly looked a lot more united in defence as a result of these newfound philosophies and the current back-four of Japhet Tanganga, Davinson Sanchez, Dier and Sergio Reguilon haven’t put a foot wrong.
That ultimately might make it more difficult for new signing Emerson Royal to immediately break into the side.
The 22-year-old signed from Barcelona on deadline day, and has committed himself to a 5-year deal in north London.
Spurs’ new no.12 is a naturally gifted right-back and has moved on the promise of more game time, but given how the current crop of defenders have performed so far this season, you’d have to assume that he will be slowly integrated into the starting line-up by Espirito Santo.
Only time will tell, but Emerson will be available for selection as early as the next league game against Crystal Palace.
