Tottenham Hotspur legend Ledley King sees a little of himself in Eric Dier following the centre-back's conversion to a holding midfielder this summer.

The England Under-21 international arrived as a centre-back and occasional full-back last summer but has this season effectively reinvented himself as a defensive midfielder.

King played in both positions with distinction for Spurs before retiring in 2012 due to persistent knee injuries.

Speaking to the club's website, the 35-year-old drew similarities between himself and the former Sporting Lisbon youngster.

He said: “I do see similar characteristics to mine, he can play, he’s scoring goals – he’s probably already got more than I did (Dier has four to King’s 14).

“I first saw him in the midfield role in pre-season. I must admit I was a little surprised to see him there at the time but quickly realised that he can play in that position.

“I like him there and the manager clearly saw him as someone who could play that role and he’s been proved right.

“His performances have been excellent. Playing in midfield will improve him as a player if he goes back into defence longer term but at the moment he’s doing such a good job that you’d keep him in there. I’m sure he’s really enjoying it.”