Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes a point has been reached in Eric Dier's career where the Tottenham man should be playing as a centre-back.
Dier, who joined Spurs from Sporting Lisbon back in August 2014, has spent much of his Tottenham career playing as a defensive-minded midfielder, offering a protection to the defensive line behind him.
His ability to play in both positions, as well as an occasional right-back, has also seen him become a regular presence in the England national team.
Now though, Keown, who spent 11 years playing for Spurs' North London rivals, believes the time has come for Dier to drop back into the heart of the Tottenham defence, insisting that he has all of the "necessary qualities" to adapt to that position.
Keown told talkSPORT: "Dier, I feel, is a really good player, but he is playing in the wrong position. He should be playing in central defence - I have been saying it for so long.
"If I ever saw a player with all the necessary qualities to play central defence, it was him. He has got power, pace and he has got very good mobility.
"He is very good in possession. It has made him a much better player by playing in midfield, by the way.
"But now it is time, not to retire, but to move into central defence, to do things quicker and do things with a little bit more urgency, don't be as casual.
"I think there is a very good central defender in there. In fact, if I was with [Jose] Mourinho, I'd be saying 'you have got to play him there.'
"It is time now to move him into a central defensive position."
If a player swaps from a midfield role to a defensive one, some may see it as a sign that age is catching up with them and they can no longer keep up with the required pace needed in the modern game.
However, Keown believes that moving to a role in the centre of defence would only improve Dier's career.
"I have always felt he has those qualities. He has played at right-back, centre-back and part of a three [three-man defence]," he added.
"I just think that he thinks he is a player, that is great, you need that as well, so he enjoys playing in midfield. But he may see it as a step backwards. It isn't, actually.
"He will enhance his career and he will be closer to getting into the England team, I believe, if he goes into that position."
