'We all have to be ready' - Dier

Team is key for Eric Dier, and that has been illustrated again in another positive week for the Club.

Following our impressive victory against Manchester City on Saturday, Jose Mourinho made 10 changes for an important UEFA Europa League fixture against Ludogorets on Thursday night and we produced another professional display to run out 4-0 winners.

The starting line-up included the return of Joe Hart in goal, Matt Doherty, recovered after testing positive for coronavirus on 11 November and Japhet Tanganga, his first start since 29 September, slotting in centrally in defence alongside Davinson Sanchez with Toby Alderweireld sidelined by an injury sustained against City.

The icing on the cake - debuts late in the game for Academy graduates Alfie Whiteman, Harvey White and Dane Scarlett who, at 16 years and 247 days, became the Club’s youngest-ever player.

So, two games down, another nine to go in this busy schedule between the November international break and the end of December.

“Everyone has to be ready with the schedule, with potential injuries, and we’ve mentioned that a lot already,” explained Eric. “Everyone will have their opportunities, and everyone has to be ready to help the team, because there is a bigger goal there than everyone’s individual needs.

“There is a team goal, and that’s more important than anyone individually. Everyone recognises that and everyone is following in that way.

“It’s a huge month for us, a lot of difficult games, the first two are out of the way, really nice to get off in the right way, now we stay focussed and work towards the next game, Chelsea, and prepare for that one in the best way we can.”