Although he’s often linked with a departure from Tottenham Hotspur, Eric Dier could still prove to be crucial for Ange Postecoglou.
That’s on the back of Tottenham’s under-21 side shipping three goals against League One Peterborough United last night.
Spurs’ youth side lost 3-1 to Peterborough in the EFL Trophy and started with a centre-back duo of Alfie Dorrington and Ashley Phillips.
And although the result wasn’t necessarily a bad one considering they were up against a senior side, it did pose some questions.
Eric Dier has been free to leave the club since the summer according to reports, and Ashley Phillips was considered capable back up to the first team.
Of course, beyond the brilliant duo of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, Spurs aren’t currently blessed with options.
And last night’s performance may suggest that Eric Dier is still needed until January at least.
Were either of Tottenham’s starting pair to be injured, Dier could be crucial for Postecoglou in the interim.
Spurs have very lofty targets this season, and it may prove a difficult situation for the likes of Phillips to be thrown into.
Postecoglou may still need Dier at Tottenham
Of course, Tottenham’s fortunes are massively helped by their light schedule this season.
As well as not having European football, the club don’t have a mid-week trip in the EFL Cup to contend with.
And although both of those exits will be a disappointment, they could prove a blessing in disguise.
Spurs will hope that their lack of games will help them avoid injuries to the likes of van de Ven or Romero.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t target further bodies in January.
Tottenham are now being linked with a move for Cetlic’s Matt O’Riley in the near future, a player Ange enjoyed working with.
And although Postecoglou may need £4m Dier in the interim period for Tottenham, it doesn’t mean he won’t look to quickly solve the situation in January.
It’s almost hard to remember that the manager has only had one transfer window during his time at Spurs.
One that was dominated by the uncertainty over Harry Kane.
Tottenham fans surely will be very excited to see what Postecoglou can do with a squad entirely in his image.