Conte has been impressed by the performances of this Spurs star.

Dier has played every minute in the Premier League since Conte arrived at Tottenham FC.

Antonio Conte has heaped praise on Eric Dier, saying the Tottenham Hotspur star can become one of the best centre-backs on the planet.

The 27-year-old England international has been a key member of Conte’s side and has been thriving as the leader of the Lilywhites’ back three, playing every minute since the Italian succeeded Nuno Espírito Santo at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

His performance against Liverpool at the weekend saw him nullify Mohammed Salah’s threat and Spurs fans and pundits lauded him for the role he played in the 2-2 after completing 51 of his 58 attempted passes on the day.

'Eric Dier can become one of the best players in the world in that position,' Conte said in a press conference ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final with West Ham United.

Lilywhites head coach Antonio Conte [Sky Sports Screen Shot]

'For sure he needs to work and continue to improve and understand the movement with the defensive line.

'He has to lead more, because in that position you have to speak a lot because you have to stay in the middle, at the back where you can see everything.

'He has a great space for improvement but we are talking about a really good player, strong physically with a good personality and good technically because he was a midfielder.'

Conte added: 'This role is perfect for him. He has to continue this way because he can become one of the best central defenders.'

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