Alan Hutton has given his honest verdict of Antonio Conte's current defence at Tottenham and spoken about a potential England call-up for Eric Dier.
Hutton made over 50 appearances for Spurs, knowing all too well about a defensive line in N17, which he was part of over 10 years ago.
The 37-year-old has now spoken about the current Tottenham defence under Conte and how he has already seen some improvements.
The Lilywhites are currently sixth in the Premier League, four points off fourth place West Ham but with four games in hand.
Speaking exclusively to football.london, Hutton explained the improvements he has seen in the Spurs defence since the Italian's arrival.
"I think he [Conte] has done better overall, one thing I've read and seen a lot of fans talking about is the fact that they've missed Eric Dier," the former Tottenham man said, via Free Super Tips.
"I don't think many would have said that before, but with him in the middle he's a leader, he's more organised and when he's not there, I don't think they're as good defensively.
"Previous games they've looked shaky with [Davinson] Sanchez in the middle and [Japhet] Tanganga to the right," Hutton added.
Dier is suffering with an injury and has been missing from the last three matchday squads, which has been a big blow for Spurs, especially with Cristian Romero still out of action.
"When you look at the clean sheets from Nuno [Espirito Santo] to Conte, it is slightly better," Hutton admitted. "But I still think Conte will want his own players to come in.
"Moving forward, if they're going to challenge for those top spots in the future, then they need to bring in a better class of player."
Emerson Royal and Sergio Reguilon have been occupying the wing-back positions in Conte's favoured 3-4-3 formation. However, both have struggled with their crossing and attacking contribution, which the 37-year-old also mentioned as a problem that needs improving.
"I think when you play with wing-backs, they provide the width and the ammunition to the forward players," the defender said.
"On the right-hand side is where they have the problem, Emerson Royal is someone who I'm still yet to be convinced by. Defensively he's still wanting and going forward I don't think he offers enough.
"It's the same with [Matt] Doherty, if I'm being honest, I expected him to do better."
"Playing in a back four didn't really suit him, but with Conte coming in I thought it would have a new lease of life because he's used to that formation with Wolves," he added.
"It's just not quite worked for him, and he looks like someone who's low on confidence and that area is pivotal to the way Conte likes to play.
"He's going to need reinforcements there, definitely in the right-wing back area."
This has been a feeling felt by many fans and is one of the positions Conte would like to improve. It has been disappointing to see the two right-sided options struggle, as both have experience in that role, but have failed to make the required impact.
Hutton admitted that only Dier and Ben Davies get "pass marks" from him and he doesn't believe Sanchez is as strong as the duo.
"If they want to challenge the likes of Liverpool and Man City, then they have to bring in that elite player if they want to do that," the ex-Aston Villa player explained.
The 37-year-old spoke highly of Dier and revealed where he believes his form could lead him, if he is able to keep it up.
"I think the criticism can be a little unfair on him, when he first came in we spoke about him as a defensive midfielder," Hutton said.
"For me personally, I don't think he had the legs for that, I think a back three suits him a lot better when he has bodies around him.
"Of course, he could be back in that England squad if he plays to a high standard under Antonio Conte and Spurs are challenging," the defender added.
"It all will depend on how Gareth Southgate wants to play, in a back three, yes, but in a back four, I think he might struggle."
Both positives and negatives have become apparent since Conte's arrival in N17, with some players thriving, while others are struggling and highlight areas that require reinforcements.
