Dier: I was called to return to Spurs defence this season

Eric Dier has said he requested to move into Tottenham’s defence this season.

After years of playing in the heart of midfield, Dier felt it was the right time to drop back and take up his preferred position in defence last year before Mauricio Pochettino was relieved of his duties as manager.

read also:Dier: Mourinho has brought fresh winning mentality to Spurs

Dier told Sky Sports: “It was something we spoke about (when Jose Mourinho arrived). It was a decision I actually made before the manager arrived here.

“It was something on my mind for a while and I spoke with Pochettino over various seasons. I felt the time was right in terms of my age, in terms of what I done and my career.

“I felt I needed to make that commitment and move forward, I had the conversation with the manager when he arrived and he respected that.

“He said, ‘It’s up to you’. After the Chelsea game last season where he lost, he said “Now is your chance and you need to show me now'”. I’m grateful for the opportunity to prove myself there. It is where I feel most confident.”