Stan Collymore believes Tottenham ace Dele Alli is not a “playmaker” or a “holder” after he produced a poor display for England during their 3-2 defeat against France on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old was selected to start the friendly encounter and he played in behind striker Harry Kane, just like he does at club level and just like he did during the 2-2 draw against Scotland at the weekend.
Former Liverpool striker Collymore has urged Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate to play Alli more centrally and in front of the defensive midfielder.
The PFA Young Player of the Year scored 18 Premier League goals from the middle of the park for Spurs as they finished second during the recently concluded campaign.
Broadcaster Collymore offered a small assessment on Alii as he was clear where he wants Southgate to start Alli in the near future.
“Alli needs to play in front of a DM and behind a striker, centrally,” Collymore wrote on his personal Twiter account. “Not a playmaker, not a holder, let him loose in the final third.”
Alli.
Needs to play in front of a DM and behind a striker, centrally.
Not a playmaker, not a holder, let him loose in the final third.
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) June 13, 2017
Former League One player Alli has shown great ability when selected to start higher up the pitch, constantly winning the ball in the final third and making clever runs in the penalty area.
As a result, he scored a high quantity of goals for a player not selected to start as a striker, finding the back of the net on 22 occasions during the 2016/17 season.
He will be looking to add to that form next term when Tottenham play at Wembley and enter the Champions League for the second season running.