Eric Dier

[Kandi1977]

Sissoko is spelled wrong in the thread title.

 

[nayimfromthehalfwayline]

You like every post where anything remotely negative is said about Sissoko, which these days are generally only Scara’s. You bring up Sissoko every time you need a benchmark of brickness to compare other players to. Whenever anyone praises him you latch on to the post pointing out all his negatives. When posters counter, you claim, wrongly, that Sissoko is protected. You claim to know about Sissoko’s use to our squad, that is he is only playing by default, when the evidence from Poch, the manager of the team, is quite the opposite. You claim “he is not at our level.” I am curious to know if we are carrying a player who is not at our level, how come we are third in the league with our best points total ever at this stage of the Premier league season. Even anything positive you might have to say about him is couched in negativity.
No, you are right you are totally impartial when it comes to Sissoko. I am out of this discussion.

I like posts that I like. I may agree, I may just think they are funny. Bit odd to hold my likes against me.

I dont bring him up every time as a measure of brickness, if I do its because its appropriate.

If I think someone is going OTT with the praise, I might balance that, same as any other thread/player. Its called discussion.

There is certainly an air of untouchable status around him. I was quite harshly talking about Rose last week, you think the conversation went anything like one involving Sissoko? It didnt. Not even remotely. It was a reasonable discussion on both sides without any of the OTT defence of the player or personal digs at me.

Sissoko is most definitely a different situation.

I do believe he is only playing by default, be basically have nobody else. And I do believe, had Dier, Wanyama and Dembele been fit all season Sissoko would have but a handful of appearances. I dont see this as exactly inflammatory stuff. But then this is Sissoko...

Poor players win titles all the time. It isnt a defence of Sissoko to say "well we're third so how can he be bad!?". Just look at the squad Fergie won his last title with.

Sissoko has done a job. People like to characterise me as thinking he is the worst player ever, of course he isnt. I just dont think he is good enough. I think he has his strengths, and his weaknesses, and on balance we need much better. None of which is to say he hasnt played a part this year. Only that lord only knows what people are seeing when they blow their wad over him.

It really is nothing personal for me, Im a Spurs fan, not someone who achieves anything by being proven right on the internet. I want the team to do as well as possible, and when I look at the team play there is a consistent position where I feel we can do better. Ive articulated it at length, and as always the point I make are dismissed in favour of making me out to be some sort of loon instead.

Mate. That lacks context and detail. Taken as a stand-alone statement, it is simply not true. Lacking "what"?

Quality, basically. Someone who can move the ball forward and fast (not necessarily fancy) as well as do the defensive work.

 

[nayimfromthehalfwayline]

You are correct, no direct quotes (I should've used single-quotes, sadly a particular job I'm working on insists on a style guide where it's double-quotes or nowt, thus I was stuck in that lane), but the implication that you feel he is an inferior footballer/someone who can't play football are in 90% of your posts. In fact only when you don't want to be called out too much on it do you throw a semi-positive into the mix. Now, whether that is your intention I don't know, but it cannot be argued that there is a perception on this forum that you think he's crap, so you apparently leave enough in your posts most of the time to suggest as much.

Crap's a bit much. I really dont think he is very good. Average at best. And I really dont think he is good enough to be a mainstay in a title chasing team. When I watch us play I see him as the weakest player in the team and the one to offer the biggest improvement to our play should he be replaced.

None of which should in anyway be controversial.

Mate. Come on. Put the victim bag down. It's a debate you keep engaging in. It isn't personal.

Except it is. In your own words:
"it cannot be argued that there is a perception on this forum that you think he's crap"

Thats just perfect. People argue against a perception of me. One they have somehow managed to turn into a cartoon version. One which they dont actually read the posts, rather, assume the tone and attack that.

And Im not playing the victim bag, apologies if thats how it seemed. More, its a statement of fact. Keep an eye out - you will see what I mean.

Genuinely, even if you might disagree - when you look at what Ive written about the player you will find fair points. But you wont find responses that reflect that.

Great. I (and others) disagree. So why do you keep coming back? I respectfully consider your ground staked out and it's all good. Onwards if that's the case. I just think you're wrong, that's all.

Why do you? Why does anyone?

I come here to discuss Spurs. And there are times when the main conversation is around Sissoko and I want to get involved. Usually when, surprise surprise, people are posting things I disagree with.

Again - do you notice how personal it sounds? "Well we know how you feel so just stop posting"...

Now I know you on here well enough to know youre not usually THAT guy, but look at your tone.

No no no, see, you're mired in your old direction still. No-one's claiming he's Busquets in is prime, but you keep on telling everyone how he weakens us overall and we can do better without actually giving any substantial reasoning, evidence or examples. Right now, as it stands, he has improved tremendously in what he brings to the team and is a valuable member of our squad.
I repeat my question, who would you bring in to replace him? Until you can offer players who will improve us and are gettable, it is a point of opinion; one which I disagree with (until such evidence or example appears).

Funny story. After a game a few months ago, I gave him a rating of 6. I was attacked because I didnt give him a 7. Even after going to lengths to show what a 6 is to me, which really wasnt far from that posters 7, I was shouted down.

It was a genuinely minor difference in perspective that was treated as though extreme.

I have given all the reasoning I possibly can as to why I dont think he is of the standard we need. Id be happy to take it offline if you really want that conversation.

I can only suggest, its all there, and its not unreasonable - if youve seen and still disagree then fine. But as with above, I would credit you to respect an opinion as fair.

I am a massive Eric Dier fan, and an in-form, fully fit Dier is in my side for his leadership alone. At the expense of Sissoko? Not so sure, I think they could live together myself, but then it means no Winks, and I think Winks has been largely excellent. Good problem to have.

You clearly think Sissoko is a lot better than I do. For me, the two dont compare. Dier is a much better footballer, and a greater asset to the team. And thats not the usual polarised thinking which infers "so Sissoko must be brick..." Thats just a measure of the two for me.

Dier moves the ball better, faster, with more intelligence than Sissoko, and this is a massive asset to the team by comparison.

Id play Dier and Winks. I dont see the need for Sissoko.

Though, as a late sub used to close out games he has proven useful.

Rabiot? Overrated temperamental tart IMO. Until he grows a big enough pair of balls to take charge of his own career from his "advisors" and "family" I don't want toxic attitude like that anywhere close to N17. Not seen enough of NDombele personally, what I have seen is OK but I remain unconvinced he is better than what we have for our squad right now.

Completely fair view to take. Rabiot doesnt exactly exude to personality we would want. Im looking on a purely footballing basis though, and I think he is not only VERY good - but also tailor made for us.

NDombele does more going forward than Sissoko, while offering a similar defensive game, he's an upgrade for me. And at his age has the potential to improve even further. Sissoko is 30 now (I think), is as good as he's ever likely to be - and realistically has how long in him? Id swap them if I could, I think its better shorter and longer term.

Doucoure I agree.
Loftus-Cheek, yup, said the same re: what Poch could do with a player like that, but again, agreed, no go.
Rice I agree, but not a chance. Spammers won't sell him to us.
I didn't think Dendoncker was much TBH.
Have to pay closer attention to Lemina.

I think the nutshell of our issue is that improving our squad is much much harder than it looks. I have always hoped that Poch would gamble and buy one experience late-20s winner. A Mueller or the like, but what a gamble it would be because he could be an almighty thunder clam, besides where would he fit in now? We are a very touch club to buy for.

As ever good discussion...

We really are. I completely understand that, its frustrating but its life. I think we are in a pretty uniquely difficult position to be honest.

 

[nayimfromthehalfwayline]

In some cases it’s “omertà” I expect.

There is so much going on tactically that is merely a setup for future advantage that players close to systems, such as Neville and United, are wary of tipping hands, thus they stick to what any idiot can see. Of course a lot of pundits are any idiot so it’s hard to know the difference.

Neville used to highlight lots of interesting shapes and moves United were using, then he stopped, I assume bevause LvG gave him a gonad*ing.

I think its simpler than that.

Why put the effort in when he doesnt need to?

Hansen was the same. Capable of genuine and fascinating insight when he so chose, but when he spends his days sat next to Lawrensen - why even bother?

He can get paid just the same for none of the effort.

Neville offered some really interesting analysis, then he got paired up as some sort of dream team with Carragher, and then he stopped bothering. I dont think its a coincidence!

 

[Baleforce]

I think its simpler than that.

Why put the effort in when he doesnt need to?

Hansen was the same. Capable of genuine and fascinating insight when he so chose, but when he spends his days sat next to Lawrensen - why even bother?

He can get paid just the same for none of the effort.

Neville offered some really interesting analysis, then he got paired up as some sort of dream team with Carragher, and then he stopped bothering. I dont think its a coincidence!

could well be

or he realised the plebs at home won't understand it anyway

 

[Kandi1977]

@nayimfromthehalfwayline get a grip man! This is the Eric Dier thread, and most of it is your posts, talking down Sissoko. And three in a row now! And you don't have an agenda? Please! Just lay off it!

 

[nayimfromthehalfwayline]

@nayimfromthehalfwayline get a grip man! This is the Eric Dier thread, and most of it is your posts, talking down Sissoko. And three in a row now! And you don't have an agenda? Please! Just lay off it!

I havent posted since Friday, Ive logged on and replied to people who have quoted me.

Its that simple.

 

[Kandi1977]

I havent posted since Friday, Ive logged on and replied to people who have quoted me.

Its that simple.

A reply doesn't necessarily need a response. Especially when it's off topic. The only reason is that you feel the need to push your anti Sissoko agenda

 

[nayimfromthehalfwayline]

A reply doesn't necessarily need a response. Especially when it's off topic. The only reason is that you feel the need to push your anti Sissoko agenda

Its really not.

I didnt reply to every post. Or every part of every post. Simply the parts I felt I should.

I have no anti Sissoko agenda.

Its funny how you are berating me for being off topic, while keeping the thread off topic

 

[Kandi1977]

Do you have any news on Eric Dier?

 

[nayimfromthehalfwayline]

Well Im not his secretary so I have no news that isnt already reported.

I was disappointed he was out with a virus, was hoping he would be back in.

Lads been very unlucky with injury/illness this season.

Over the last 3 years he has been practically run into the ground though as well, so Im sure the break will do him good.

 

[P.D.]

I would say Dier plays as a defensive midfielder for us. Wanyama if selected tends to, but when paired with Dier in the past then Wanyama was the one who got forward, with Dier holding. They actually looked very good in a pair the last couple of times they played together when Wanyama was fully fit.

Pep plays Fernandinho as their defensive midfielder and they don't look as good when he doesn't play, imo. Klopp has bought Fabinho in this season to play as their defensive midfielder in a shift to 4231 for many of their games this season (part of their more conservative approach overall). Took a couple of months to integrate him, but now when he's fit, he seems to play more often than not.

Really? Wasn't it Wanyana and Dier against West Ham last season when the midfield was awful, couldnt create anything and the game moved at snails pace.

 

[the dza]

Really? Wasn't it Wanyana and Dier against West Ham last season when the midfield was awful, couldnt create anything and the game moved at snails pace.

Wanyama wasn't fully fit last season though iirc. The season we finished 2nd to Chelsea, they played together in midfield on a few occasions and looked very good imo, with Wanyama being a more brute force version of Dembele in that partnership.

 

[nayimfromthehalfwayline]

Was great to see Wanyama back yesterday, wasnt it?

Not that he did much, but fantastic news if he is coming back into contention.

 

[the dza]

Was great to see Wanyama back yesterday, wasnt it?

Not that he did much, but fantastic news if he is coming back into contention.

Fingers crossed that he can stay fit, whether his future is here or not. I'll always be fond of Big Vic for that great season he had with Dembele in midfield. The first XI that season might be the best all-round Spurs team I've seen in my lifetime: lloris; dier, toby, vert; walker, wanyama, dembele, rose (or davies); dele, eriksen; kane

 

[StephenH]

Was great to see Wanyama back yesterday, wasnt it?

Not that he did much, but fantastic news if he is coming back into contention.

Fell over and lay prostrate on the ground with great aplom.

OT what happened to Derik (AGAIN)?

 

[parklane1]

Well i hope he is fit soon. A very important player for us.

 

[harr1984]

Well i hope he is fit soon. A very important player for us.

Both him and Wanyama. We can debate all we want about who is the best pairing, but a fit Dier and Wanyama will allow Sissoko more rest time and Winks where needs be all of them will be fresher for the games they start. Whilst we could do with one real top class CM I still think we have a good enough solid base with those four fit and firing....

 

[parklane1]

Both him and Wanyama. We can debate all we want about who is the best pairing, but a fit Dier and Wanyama will allow Sissoko more rest time and Winks where needs be all of them will be fresher for the games they start. Whilst we could do with one real top class CM I still think we have a good enough solid base with those four fit and firing....

Yep, it was good to see Skipp yesterday but lets be honest as good as he may become its not wise to over use him. Dier gives us lots of options ( in several positions) when he is fit and players like that are always in demand. If we can get Wanyama fit as well we should not have too many problems with CM positions.

 

[glorygloryeze]

Any news as to why Dier wasn't in the squad yesterday?
When i saw Foyth, i thought he'd be playing in a DM position and Verts in a flat back 4...well we know how wrong that was...