Eric Dier delivered a strong performance once again at the heart of the Tottenham defence as Spurs drew 0-0 with Chelsea at Stamform Bridge, and hopefully could have changed the mind of a certain Sky Sports pundit.
Prior to the game, Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp expressed a difference of opinions regarding Dier's ability to play in Tottenham's back four as a central defender claiming he lacks an extra yard of pace.
The England international is one of Jose Mourinho 's most versatile assets, having been deployed as a centre-back, right-back and central midfielder during his career.
And he had to take on an additional leadership and mentoring role against Chelsea with Joe Rodon alongside him and making his Premier League debut.
Although his performances at the back have been lauded this season, Keane is not yet convinced that Dier is the finished article, citing his lack of pace as a primary area of concern.
“I think he’s doing okay there," Keane told Sky Sports. "Obviously Tottenham are in decent form.
"I still have my doubts about him playing centre-half, I still think he lacks that real bit of pace, obviously he’s getting well protected with midfielders in front of him and working with Mourinho, who loves to be drilling the back four.
"I still don’t see him as a top centre-half, because he’s not lightning quick and that’s always a worry for any player in that position.”
Redknapp took a more positive view, praising Dier for his ability on the ball and claiming he can be a leader in the dressing room.
“One positive is that he’s very comfortable on the ball," Redknapp added.
"I think he has the ability to hit long passes and to start attacks. I’ve been surprised, I always thought he’d be a midfielder to be honest, but it certainly suits him. I think he’s become a leader for Jose Mourinho’s team."
