Alan Shearer has warned Tottenham that Dele Alli that he will end up costing his team if he continues to dive after he was penalised yet again recently against Liverpool.
The 21-year-old is beginning to get a reputation for diving after being penalised for several incidents.
He was guilty of simulation in the recent 2-2 draw with Liverpool and Shearer issued the major warning that his growing reputation could work against Spurs in the future.
Alli is still regarded as a key player for the north London club and the attacking midfielder is a mainstay in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI.
The England international has made 33 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring nine goals and supplying 11 assists.
“As far as I’m concerned Pochettino should be ramming it down Dele Alli’s throat that he has to stop it (diving), because that’s the third time he’s been booked for it [against Liverpool],” Shearer wrote in his column for Coral.
“Alli just hasn’t performed as well this season as last, and so the manager’s focus should be on that.
“There’s no doubt at some point Alli’s actions will cost his team, he’ll be fouled, it should be a penalty, but because of his reputation, his history of diving, he’s not going to get it.”
OPINION
Alli is one of the outstanding young players in the Premier League, but the diving element that has begun to creep into his game has somewhat clouded his quality. Pochettino is clearly a big figure at the club and he needs to eliminate what some people view as blatant cheating from his game. The goalscoring playmaker will create enough opportunities in and around the penalty area without having to go down in the box. He is still an ever-present in the side given his influence in the final third, but his no place is not fixed and he could face competition from Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela soon.