Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier and some of the club's other players are "nowhere near the required level" for what Antonio Conte is trying to achieve, fears Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Spurs have really struggled at the back this season, with the likes of Dier and Ben Davies leaving Taylor far from impressed.

GiveMeSport The Verdict

Tottenham's defensive record in the Premier League

Overall, it has not been the worst campaign for Tottenham, who are still in contention for Champions League qualification.

However, defensively, their record in the English top flight is not great. In fact, it is actually one of the poorest in the division despite Conte's men being high up the table.

They went into their match against West Ham earlier having conceded 35 goals in 23 games, which is problematic for a team who are aiming to finish in the top four.

To put that into context, last season, they were only breached on 40 occasions after playing their 38 Premier League fixtures.

What has Ryan Taylor said about Eric Dier and Tottenham's defence?

Taylor has slammed Dier and a couple of his team-mates at Tottenham.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the Daily Express journalist said: "Ben Davies, good squad player but he should not be a starter. Hugo Lloris, poor, while Eric Dier is just nowhere near the required level for what Spurs are trying to achieve."

Read more: Champions League 2022/23: Last 16 fixtures confirmed, dates and more

Should Tottenham keep hold of Eric Dier?

While Dier and the rest of Tottenham's backline have obviously struggled this season, the 29-year-old remains a very useful player to have around.

Dier has plenty of Premier League experience, making over 250 appearances in the competition, as per Transfermarkt, and can play in both defence and midfield.

"I see every day in his eyes the desire to become stronger, to become a top defender," Conte was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail earlier this season.

"He has to continue this way and, for sure, in set-pieces if he scores more goals I am happy. A player like him, so tall, so strong physically, has to be more effective on corners and set-pieces and score more goals."

Ultimately, while Dier, who is earning £85,000 a week at Hotspur Way, according to Capology, may not be in the best form now, he is a player Conte seems to like.

You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here.