Sky Sports Scout - Eric Dier

Our Scout will report back and you can comment on what you think of our appraisal.

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You can only nominate a player by emailing here, including the word 'Scout' in your subject line and please check to make sure we haven't already covered the player!

Should your player get reviewed by our scout, and you were first to send in his name, then you will win a copy of Football Manager 2010.

Latest under our scout's gaze is Sporting Lisbon youngster Eric Dier - recommended by Sky Sports reader Donald Parish.

The scout reports...

Dier is a young English footballer who looks set to follow in the illustrious footsteps of the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani, after signing a long-term professional contract in Portugal with the historic Sporting Lisbon club.

Cheltenham born 16-year-old centre-back Eric Dier has put pen to paper on a deal, making him the first Englishman to play for the club.

Moving from England to Portugal eight years ago, the young Eric, despite the initial language barrier, was swiftly signed by Sporting Lisbon as a member of their junior teams, where he has established himself as an emerging talent.

Captain of the successful U15 outfit last season (and having captained his team in the previous two seasons), Dier has progressed to become a regular in the U17 squad this term, while also turning out for the U19s on occasion - the traditional stepping stone to first-team squad consideration.

Under the mentorship of the legendary Paulo Cardoso, who scouted both Ronaldo and Nani for the Lisbon squad, Dier is tipped to progress into the senior side within two years.

His exploits have been recognised by the national team, with Portugal attempting to select him for their most recent U17 international.

For Dier, though, there is only one international ambition, to attract the attention of the FA back home in England and represent the country of his formative years and birth.

The scout says...

Already cutting an imposing figure at 6 feet 2 inches tall, Dier is a cultured centre back whose game has been shaped by the marriage of two contrasting football cultures, an education enjoyed by the likes of Owen Hargreaves in recent years.

Dier has an impressive sporting pedigree: his grandfather Ted Croker (former Secretary of the Football Association) and great uncle Peter both played professionally for Charlton Athletic and his father was a professional tennis player.

He appears to possess all the attributes required to forge a career at the very top of the professional game and can only benefit from having learnt his trade in the academy ranks at one of Europe's most prestigious clubs.

The Scout rating...

Shooting: 5 out of 10

Passing: 6 out of 10

Tackling: 7 out of 10

Heading: 7 out of 10

Pace: 7 out of 10

Vision: 6 out of 10

Current ability: 7 out of 10

Potential ability: 10 out of 10

OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 55/80

Current value: £1million

Potential value: £15million

Your opinion...

You have read our opinion of Dier - now we want your views. Have you seen Dier in action? Do you agree with our assessment? Do you think he will make it?

And if you have spotted anyone you think we should feature then please get in touch using the same form. We will look to send out the Scout to follow up some of your leads.