A NEW JOURNEY

After a summer of change at the Club, long-serving defender ERIC DIER reflects on our early beginnings under Nuno Espirito Santo and the impact the return of our supporters has had on the team.

- Liam Carson

Eric Dier feels we have opened up a brand new chapter of our story this season.

Our long-serving centre-back, who is now embarking on his eighth campaign in north London with over 280 appearances already to his name, believes the changes that have been made at the Club over the summer have brought about a fresh feel.

Over the last two years, we have seen major changes implemented here both to the team and behind the scenes. On the pitch, since January, 2020, we have witnessed the departures of both Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen – two players who made over 600 appearances in our colours combined – while this summer Toby Alderweireld and Erik Lamela – who featured in a combined total of just shy of 500 games for us – have headed for pastures new.

Meanwhile, in the close season, we have seen the appointments of two new figures at the Club. Nuno Espirito Santo has come in as our Head Coach on a two-year deal while Fabio Paratici has been appointed our Managing Director, Football. There have also been three new arrivals in terms of playing staff with Pierluigi Gollini and Cristian Romero joining us from Italian side Atalanta and Bryan Gil moving from Sevilla.

With a refreshed outlook and vision, our early beginnings under Nuno have been positive, especially as we head into matchday three of the new Premier League season on Sunday with our 100 per cent record still intact. Now for Eric, with excitement brewing, it is all about building on our solid early foundations and kicking on in our campaign.