Eric Dier in the Champions League Team of the Week | OneFootball

Scorer of the decisive goal to give AS Monaco a draw against Manchester City at the Stade Louis-II (2-2), the English defender appeared in the team of the week for the 2nd matchday in the Champions League.

“I don’t think Gianluigi Donnarumma expected him to step forward to take the penalty.” These were the words of Adi Hütter after the Red and Whites’ draw in the Champions League on Wednesday evening against Manchester City (2-2). “He” was obviously Eric Dier, who took responsibility at a key moment in the match, on the verge of added time.

A moment of suspense at the Stade Louis-II 👀

It was the 87th minute when the match referee, Mr. Jesus Gil Manzano, was called by the VAR to review a controversial play in the Citizens’ penalty area, involving the English defender. Three minutes later, and after careful consideration, the match referee pointed to the penalty spot, for a dangerous foot by Nico Gonzalez. It was then that the Monaco number 3 himself faced the Italian goalkeeper.

I don't think he (Gianluigi Donnarumma) expected him to actually step forward and take it (smiles). Ansu Fati was the first designated taker, and the second was Eric, that's why he took the responsibility of taking it. It wasn't an easy situation, and he handled it very well, so I'm happy for him.

Surprise penalty taker, masterful finish! 🎯

After a solid performance so far (1 interception, 9 clearances, 100% duels won, 2 recoveries), Adi Hütter’s second designated penalty taker in this match – after Ansu Fati, who was substituted after the hour mark – didn’t waver in his attempt and even wrong-footed his opponent (2-2, 90th minute)! It was a decisive penalty and goal, which would undoubtedly make Eric Dier one of the men in this top-of-the-table match against Pep Guardiola’s team.

We did well to keep the score at 1-2, and as I said, when we had the ball, even if it wasn't often, we managed to create opportunities, that's how we were able to equalize. The penalty? I practice these and I was ready to take it.

It is therefore quite natural that the latter found himself in the Team of the Week for UEFA in the Champions League as a central defender, alongside players such as Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal) and Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)… Daghe Eric! 🇲🇨