| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Eric Jeremy Edgar Dier | ||
| Date of birth | 15 January 1994 | ||
| Place of birth | Cheltenham, England | ||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[1] | ||
| Playing position | Central Defender | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Everton (on loan from Sporting) |
||
| Youth career | |||
| 2003–2010 | Sporting CP | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2010– | Sporting CP | 0 | (0) |
| 2011– | → Everton (loan) | 0 | (0) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals). |
|||
Eric Dier (born 15 January 1994) is an English professional footballer who plays for Everton, on loan from Portuguese club Sporting CP.[2][3]
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The player moved to Sporting CP from England when he was seven years old when his mother was offered a job working in Portugal during the 2004 European Championships. His footballing ability was spotted by his school's (International Preparatory School in Carcavelos) P.E. teacher who referred him to Sporting Lisbon scouts.[4] In 2010, his parents returned to England and Dier remained in Portugal, living at Sporting CP's academy.[5] He is the grandson of Ted Croker (former Secretary of the Football Association and President of Cheltenham Town) and great nephew of Peter Croker who both played professionally for Charlton Athletic. His father, Jeremy is a former professional tennis player.[6]
Dier signed professional terms with Sporting Lisbon in April 2010. The Portuguese club beat Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur,[7] and the team Dier supported as a child, Manchester United,[1] to his signature. Sporting also sold 50% economic rights of the player to a third parties owner, "Quality Football Ireland Limited".[8]
In January 2011, Dier agreed to join Everton on a short term loan until 30 June. Sporting CP's official website stated that the loan was "an opportunity for the athlete to grow in a more competitive and demanding environment".[2]
Dier had been approached by the Portuguese Football Federation to play for Portugal in the future but can only do so once he turns 18.[5] He had been involved in a high profile England national football team kit promotion for sportswear manufacturers Umbro and his appearance in the campaign caused English media outlet, Daily Mail to question why the Football Association had not contacted him with a view for playing in their youth national teams.[4][5]
Upon his signing for Everton, an FA spokesman said "Our intention will be to select him for the youth squad in the coming weeks" referring to the 2011 edition of the under-17 international Algarve Tournament.[9]