Tottenham analysis: Eric Dier needs one position as Pochettino struggles with Harry Kane's absence

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Sam Long21 October 2016

Hugo Lloris' stunning save earned Tottenham a goalless draw and a valuable point against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

Leverkusen dominated the second half at the BayArena and looked certain to score when Javier Hernandez had the goal at his mercy at the back post.

A darting Lloris, however, clawed the ball off the line to deny the former Manchester United striker as Spurs held on to claim a share of the spoils.

Here, Standard Sport picks out the key talking points

Eric Dier should be allowed to nail down one position

Mauricio Pochettino praised the defender's versatility prior to kick off and Dier performed admirably alongside Jan Vertonghen in difficult circumstances.

However, although the 22-year-old spent many of his formative years in the centre of defence his long-term future is surely in midfield.

Victor Wanyama's form has made him difficult to drop and while the Kenyan provided plenty of psychical presence at the BayArena had Dier been deployed in a midfield role his incisive passing could have been the key to unlocking Leverkusen.

Wanyama did not have the range - or the composure - to link defence and attack as he was swarmed by the hosts' high press.

Mauricio Pochettino still doesn't know who his best back-up striker is

Vincent Janssen, perhaps surprisingly, led the line instead of Heung-min Son on the South Korea's return to his old stamping ground.

It's a game off small margins and Janssen could have had two goals were it not for a marginal offside call and the width of the crossbar.

But, instead, he trudged off after failing to find the net once again. His link up play was difficult to fault but Spurs simply do not look as potent with the Dutchman up top when compared to the energy and ability in one-on-one situations Son provides.

Kevin Wimmer is well down the pecking order

The Austrian defender thrived when given an opportunity to play regularly during Jan Vertonghen's injury last season but he is unlikely to be afforded such a luxury throughout Toby Alderweireld absence.

Pochettino said it would be "difficult" for Cameron-Carter Vickers to feature before the game but the youngster managed to the matchday squad ahead of Wimmer, highlighting how low the latter has fallen.

If Wimmer is not going to be handed a chance to play occasionally, as many other fringe players have, a temporary move away from White Hart Lane could best serve his development.

Christian Eriksen must do more on the big occasions

The Danish midfielder showed glimpses of class but it wasn't enough.

It could be seen as harsh to single out the 24-year-old but, given his Champions League experience and seniority among the rest of Tottenham's attack, he must lead by example.

Eriksen's work rate could not be faulted but his service fell short on a night when one moment of magic was needed to prise open a tight game.

Mauricio Pochettino is not the only high priest of the high press

Roger Schmidt insisted Leverkusen would be happy if the game was played at a frantic pace and it certainly proved to be the case.

The hosts played Spurs at their own game and it almost paid off in the second half. Had Hugo Lloris not been in inspired form the Bundesliga side would probably have been celebrating a crucial victory.

The north Londoners lost their way in the second half as Schmidt's tactical tweaks helped the tide to turn, suggesting a blueprint to counteract Tottenham's style was discovered.

The corresponding game at Wembley will be another fascinating affair.

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