Tottenham Hotspur have been busy prior to the 2020/21 Premier League season by giving Eric Dier a new deal.
Days after Oliver Skipp signed a new four-year contract, his Spurs teammate swiftly followed suit, keeping him at the club until 2024.
However, Darren Bent insists Dier is not at the level Spurs need, despite the fact he has been handed a long-term deal.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Premier League striker claims Tottenham’s decision to hand him a new contract mirrors a similar situation involving their arch-rivals Arsenal and David Luiz.
Bent believes the defenders have been given new contracts simply out of necessity and is unconvinced by their long-term values.
The Gunners triggered a 12-month extension to keep Luiz at the Emirates for another year to the surprise of plenty of pundits.
The ex-England international admits Spurs will have wanted to sign a world-class player instead but stuck to their guns given the unprecedented circumstances they find themselves in at the moment.
Bent told assistant editor Russell Edge “at first I didn’t understand it, it was a bit like David Luiz and his situation at Arsenal in that you don’t quite know what situation they’re going to be in and how much money they’re going to have to spend.”
“If Arteta trusts David Luiz like Mourinho trusts Eric Dier, I wouldn’t let them walk away for nothing and then you can’t replace them.”
“At least with these players, they might not be to the level that Spurs and Arsenal see but when you know a player, know what he’s about and you can coach and trust him, that’s half the battle.”
“The worst thing is if you let him go and you can’t replace him, then what does he do?”
“I kind of understand that deal now to be honest.”
At first, it is hard to argue with Bent, as Dier has struggled for consistency in recent years, battling back from numerous injuries, illness and mixed form.
However, upon closer inspection, the Englishman’s performances this season should not go unnoticed.
Dier, 26, shifted from the defence to to the midfield in his second season with Spurs, before dropping down to the back line, and he has put in a string of impressive defensive displays in recent weeks.
The England international was a firm favourite of former boss Mauricio Pochettino, making over 200 appearances for the Argentine.
He made his triumphant return after serving a four-match ban, helping Spurs qualify for the Europa League with a hard-fought draw at Crystal Palace.
As Alasdair Gold notes, he lost all confidence with the constant setbacks, but has been revitalised by Mourinho’s arrival, becoming an integral part of the team in the process.
Reverting back to his original position has kickstarted his revival and allowed him to establish himself as a regular in the starting lineup, while his versatility is surely an added bonus.
In any case, Dier’s commitment to the cause is a testament to the impact the Portuguese has had on Tottenham. Mourinho took over from Mauricio Pochettino when the Lilywhites were languishing in 14th in the table, and Spurs will now be looking to push on and challenge for silverware next season.
Tottenham fans, has Dier made the right decision? Let us know down below!