Burrell is the best in the league, says Saints coach Dickens

Saints assistant coach Alan Dickens believes Luther Burrell is the best inside centre in the Aviva Premiership.
Luther Burrell scored his third try in two pre-season games at Wasps on Sunday (picture: Kirsty Edmonds)Luther Burrell scored his third try in two pre-season games at Wasps on Sunday (picture: Kirsty Edmonds)
Luther Burrell scored his third try in two pre-season games at Wasps on Sunday (picture: Kirsty Edmonds)

Burrell suffered the agony of missing out on England’s final 31-man World Cup squad, with Jonathan Joseph, Brad Barritt, Sam Burgess and Henry Slade taking the centre berths.

But the Saints star has bounced back in style, scoring three tries in two pre-season appearances, at Saracens and Wasps.

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He has been one of the key performers in both of those friendly victories, and Dickens is full of praise for the 27-year-old.

“Luther’s a quality player - we know that,” Dickens said.

“On his game, I don’t think there’s anyone in that position that is better than him in the league.”

Burrell was one of a number of Saints players snubbed by England, who have been eliminated from the World Cup with one pool game, against Uruguay, to spare.

And Dickens has been pleased with how the men who were cut from the squad have reacted.

“All of our lads have responded well,” he said.

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“Lee Dickson has played well and led the team well, he’s a quality scrum-half.

“You’ve seen Luther is on his game, scoring tries, and Dylan (Hartley) has been really good as well.

“We’ve been really, really pleased with those boys.

“They’ve come back to the club, dug in and they’re good professionals.”

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