'I've reached my best level in my career' - Dier thanks Conte as he returns to England setup
Tottenham centre-back Eric Dier has praised coach Antonio Conte for helping relaunch his international career ahead of the World Cup.
Dier, 28, has 45 senior caps for England since making his debut in 2015, but it's been almost two years since he represented his country in a UEFA Nations League win over England. Iceland in November 2020.
However, after making 35 Premier League appearances last campaign, Dier has become a crucial part of Conte's three centre-back lineup, playing every minute of Tottenham's seven unbeaten matches this season (5W , 2D).
Talking to the media about how he feels he has evolved since his last national call-up, Dier paid tribute to Conte for changing the way he approaches his game.
"I don't want to be like a teacher's pet, but [Conte] has done a lot for me," he said. "In every way, he's done a lot for me.
"He had a great effect on me in all aspects. Tactically, physically, mentally. My approach.
"Not just the director, but all his staff. He is very demanding, but I really like that. Since he arrived, I have never learned so much this year. I don't think I have learned so much before than today with him.
"He's the godfather of this system, so I feel like with him, you're constantly learning and evolving within this system, constantly adding new things - once we learn one thing, we move on to the next one.
"I think he probably gave me some confidence back too."
Dier took things a step further and said that he not only felt like he had regained his previous form, but that he had now reached a new level.
"I think it was my toughest season when I missed the Euros, [but] I don't think it was as bad a season as people make it out to be," he said . "Far from it.
"But now I think I've reached my best level in my career, not just this season but also last season. I think I'm improving and I think I can improve."< /p>
With five games needed to reminisce about his half-century in England, Dier said he would be lying if it wasn't on his mind.
“I saw that they now have a chart at the hotel reception of all the people who have won 50 and 100,” he said. "It's a dream to be able to achieve this.
"That would mean a lot. That's something that when I wasn't in the team made me think I was so close to that. kind of milestone.
"I'm very happy...I'm very proud to be back, I don't like to dramatize it too much. I play football, you know?"
Tottenham centre-back Eric Dier has praised coach Antonio Conte for helping relaunch his international career ahead of the World Cup.
Dier, 28, has 45 senior caps for England since making his debut in 2015, but it's been almost two years since he represented his country in a UEFA Nations League win over England. Iceland in November 2020.
However, after making 35 Premier League appearances last campaign, Dier has become a crucial part of Conte's three centre-back lineup, playing every minute of Tottenham's seven unbeaten matches this season (5W , 2D).
Talking to the media about how he feels he has evolved since his last national call-up, Dier paid tribute to Conte for changing the way he approaches his game.
"I don't want to be like a teacher's pet, but [Conte] has done a lot for me," he said. "In every way, he's done a lot for me.
"He had a great effect on me in all aspects. Tactically, physically, mentally. My approach.
"Not just the director, but all his staff. He is very demanding, but I really like that. Since he arrived, I have never learned so much this year. I don't think I have learned so much before than today with him.
"He's the godfather of this system, so I feel like with him, you're constantly learning and evolving within this system, constantly adding new things - once we learn one thing, we move on to the next one.
"I think he probably gave me some confidence back too."
Dier took things a step further and said that he not only felt like he had regained his previous form, but that he had now reached a new level.
"I think it was my toughest season when I missed the Euros, [but] I don't think it was as bad a season as people make it out to be," he said . "Far from it.
"But now I think I've reached my best level in my career, not just this season but also last season. I think I'm improving and I think I can improve."< /p>
With five games needed to reminisce about his half-century in England, Dier said he would be lying if it wasn't on his mind.
“I saw that they now have a chart at the hotel reception of all the people who have won 50 and 100,” he said. "It's a dream to be able to achieve this.
"That would mean a lot. That's something that when I wasn't in the team made me think I was so close to that. kind of milestone.
"I'm very happy...I'm very proud to be back, I don't like to dramatize it too much. I play football, you know?"
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