“His best years ahead of him” - Tottenham legend praises defender after impressive start to season

Glen Hoddle has heaped praise on Tottenham defender Eric Dier after dramatically turning his form around under Antonio Conte.

The centre-back joined the Premier League club in 2014 but had failed to impress in recent seasons, losing his place in the England squad.

However, the arrival of the Italian has seen Dier become a key asset to Tottenham and he has enjoyed a very positive start to the campaign.

Speaking to BT Sport, Hoddle admitted how much Dier had improved this year and believes the 28-year-old still has his best years ahead of him.

The former midfielder said: “I think he’s reading the game, he reads that near post, he’s much tighter with his marking and I think that’s where Conte has really helped him.

“He’s a better defender. He’s always going to be good on the ball because he’s got that comfortable feeling as a midfield player in him. Now is probably his best years ahead of him, the next couple of years.”

Dier impressed earlier in his career and will now be desperate to force his way back into Gareth Southgate’s plans ahead of the World Cup this winter.

The England boss is set to announce his squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures this week and the ex-Sporting Lisbon defender could earn his first cap in two years.