Eric Dier thinks Bukayo Saka is a fantastic player and person, arguing he deserves more credit for his performances this season.

Bukayo Saka has come on leaps and bounds this season, even after a very strong first full campaign with the Arsenal senior side in 2019/20. The teenager recently won Arsenal’s Player of the Month award for the third time in a row.

In fact, Saka’s performances have been so impressive that even Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier can’t help but sing his England teammate’s praises ahead of the North London derby.

“I think he’s a fantastic player, I think he’s gone a bit under the radar if anything in terms of what he’s done this season compared to other young English players,” Dier said.

“He’s a fantastic guy as well, I enjoyed a lot spending time with him when we were with England. But when we play, for me, all of that is irrelevant, I just want to win.”

Saka has scored six goals and assisted six in 33 appearances this campaign, but his performances have been about more than just goal contributions.

You have to remember that Saka started the season still playing a lot of his football at left-back or left-wing-back. It was a long while until Mikel Arteta moved him to the right-wing position where he’s had so much of his success.

10 of those 12 goal contributions came from the right-wing, and nine of those 10 were after Christmas. Saka’s certainly putting himself in contention to be back in Gareth Southgate’s international break squad when it’s announced on Thursday.