Chelsea legend, Tony Cascarino, has disagreed with Tottenham Antonio Conte’s comments about Italian football icon, Leonardo Bonucci and England star Eric Dier.
According to Cascarino, such comments have come far too soon after Conte named Bonucci as an ‘example’ for Dier to aspire to after he was recalled to the England setup.
Conte has built Dier back to form after the defender suffered somewhat of a career drop after becoming a key player for both Spurs and the Three Lions.
The 28-year-old has played every single minute for Tottenham this season in their eight games so far, even scoring in an opening day win over Southampton.
Conte is clearly a huge fan of Dier, who was once a midfielder but now a centre-back.
Speaking recently about Dier, the Italian manager said: “With the ball Bonucci can be a good example for Eric Dier.
“Bonucci did a lot with his career which Eric can replicate…”
These comments did not go down well with Cascarino, who expressed surprise to hear Conte go so far so soon using such a high benchmark, with the season still in its infancy.
“He’s had a decent start to the season but comparing him to Bonucci is a bit of a long one for me at the moment, I’d hold back on that one,” he said.
“I wouldn’t have that he’s as versatile as Bonucci, maybe he was a failed midfielder more than a midfielder, he didn’t pull up any trees.
“I think he’s not bad, I’m still reserved in my opinion over the course of a season on Dier.
“He’s shone in September and August and I don’t know how good he will be over the course of a season.”
