Eric Dier’s Bayern Munich team-mate delivers surprising verdict on ex-Spurs star
Eric Dier became a favourite at Bayern Munich under Thomas Tuchel last season but has found regular game time much harder to come by under his successor Vincent Kompany - who is yet to hand him a start
by Oli Gamp · The MirrorBayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has hailed Eric Dier as "one of the best team-mates I've ever had" as he heaped praised on the former Tottenham star for his work ethic.
Dier joined the Bundesliga giants in January and became an important member of the team under previous boss Thomas Tuchel, who played in 20 times in all competitions.
This season, however, Dier has found regular game time much harder to come by under Tuchel's successor Vincent Kompany. He is yet to make a start in the league and has only 64 minutes under his belt.
But that hasn't stopped Dier giving his all on the training pitch despite being a bench option this season and Kimmich has heaped praise on the defender for being a example for the rest of the team.
"When I see how Eric Dier trains every day - he's one of the best teammates I've ever had," Kimmich told German outlet TZ. "This kind of mindset also helps us as a team. Even though he hasn't played many minutes, he is incredibly important for us as a team.
"If you call him at six tonight and tell him to come to training, he'll be there and give 100 percent. It is extremely valuable for us that no one slacks off and falls behind, but that the competition is kept high."
Dier initially joined Bayern on a loan deal from Tottenham before triggering an option to make his move permanent in a 12-month deal after playing a certain amount of games last season - meaning he will be a free agent at the end of the current campaign.
Upon extending his deal with the club, Dier said: "I'm happy in Munich. Now my future is sorted, and I can focus on playing well for the club and trying to help the club to win games and competitions, even though it's been a difficult period for us."
Dier, who has 49 caps for England, had previously suffered a lack of game time under Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou but enjoyed a decade playing for the north London side and made a total of 365 appearances.
Kimmich, meanwhile, has been a key figure for Bayern under Kompany by starting all 11 of their opening Bundesliga games to help them go seven points clear at the top of the table following their 3-0 win over Augsburg.
Kimmich, who is seen as one of the most accomplished midfielders in the world, has played 407 times for the Bavarian giants, winning 20 trophies.
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