Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino believes that Eric Dier "needs to improve" as a player by becoming more versatile and playing in different positions.
Dier began life at White Hart Lane on a high after his switch from Sporting Lisbon, scoring the winner on his debut against West Ham United.
The 20-year-old struggled to find form in the weeks that followed, however, and has since received criticism for pulling out of the England Under-21 squad to focus on training as a centre-back rather than a full-back.
"It was Eric's own decision to speak with [Under-21 manager] Gareth [Southgate]. He never consulted with us," Pochettino is quoted as saying by Goal.com.
"Before he arrived here Eric played a lot of games at right-back, centre-back and midfield. His future will be better if he improves in different positions.
"This gives more possibility to play in the starting XI. He needs to improve."
Spurs travel to Hull City in the Premier League tomorrow.
Phil Archbold
