Agree. That does appear to be the way in football with pundits and fans.
Think Jose is obviously looking for the 'die for the shirt' defender, and Dier obviously ticks that box, vocally and attitude wise, but as Jose's previous versions of this have shown, you have to be able to play the game as well. Rodon definitely looks in that mould, but of course the prem is a big step up.
Overall there is still an assessment to be made. Quality wise the jury is still out on Dier and Sanchez.
Dier has an advantage because Jose likes him and he is versatile. If another CB (Skriniar) comes in (Jan or summer) I can easily see Sanchez going next summer if he has another average (or up and down) season, as he is worth a decent fee. Toby (although slow) is experienced and has very little value so may as well be a 3rd 4th choice until his contract expires. Tanganga and Rodon are young so Toby can help them (along with Ledley) and hopefully they'll be another year along by next season and in the fight for a starting place.