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Mourinho’s defence decision looking inspired as Spurs move up table
Understandably, many are struggling to look past the stunning form of Tottenham Hotspur’s attacking players as Jose Mourinho’s men continue to climb the Premier League table.
Spurs have not lost a domestic game since the opening day. Harry Kane has seven goals and eight assists. Son Heung-min has been outstanding. And Gareth Bale already has a winning goal under his belt following his return.
It is an ominous sign for Tottenham’s potential rivals. But perhaps it is actually in another area of the pitch in which Mourinho has produced his greatest masterstroke so far this term.
For the last three league games, Mourinho has paired Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld at the heart of his defence.
Admittedly, the pair played together when Everton beat Tottenham on the opening day. On that occasion however, it was a set-piece that led to the only goal.
Since the pair were reunited for the win against Burnley last month, Alderweireld and Dier have been brilliant together.
They have gone about their business superbly. And Tottenham have only conceded one goal in their last three games.
That run culminated in the 1-0 win over West Brom on Sunday. Dier, in particular, was fantastic at the Hawthorns.
His performance was lauded by some supporters, as well as pundits such as Ian Wright ().
Dier has not always looked the most convincing at centre-back. Meanwhile, Alderweireld – who earns more than £100,000-a-week, – had only appeared in one other Premier League game this season.
And yet, Mourinho appears to have stumbled upon something really impressive by pairing the two men together.
It may not always work out for Tottenham. But in a season in which they look potentially devastating in the final third, it appears that Spurs may now also have a superb partnership at the other end of the pitch.