OPINION
It is fair to say that Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli has had a tough season.
The 21-year-old was one of the best players in the Premier League last term, scoring 18 goals and providing nine assists as Spurs finished an impressive second to Chelsea.
Alli was widely lauded as one of the world’s best players at his age, and the stage was set for him to continue his form into this season as Spurs tried to challenge for the title again.
However, it has not quite turned out that way, with Alli’s form noticeably dipping, and criticism being levelled at the youngster from all directions.
His below-par performances for Spurs have now begun to threaten his starting place for England at the World Cup, which was basically guaranteed at the beginning of this season.
Alli was snubbed by Gareth Southgate in both of England’s two friendlies this international break, with the Tottenham star playing just 22 minutes in the 1-0 win over the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, the Premier League returns this weekend and Tottenham face a crucial test against top-four rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
This will be a crucial clash to determine Champions League places for next season, with Chelsea currently five points behind Spurs in the race for the top four.
As pointed out by BBC pundit Martin Keown, ‘everyone will be watching’ Alli this weekend, and the 21-year-old must step up for Tottenham and begin his road to England redemption.
Spurs will most likely be missing Harry Kane as he recovers from an ankle injury, and that means that Mauricio Pochettino will need someone to step up in his place.
Alli showed that he can do that against Bournemouth, scoring one and assisting one after Kane was taken off in the first-half at the Vitality Stadium.
But it is big games like this that Spurs really need Alli to step up, which the off-colour star has failed to do so as yet this season.
In Tottenham’s eight league games against top-six opposition this season, Alli has scored just once – against Liverpool in October – and that is not a good enough return.
Chelsea is the perfect opportunity for Alli to step up for Spurs again, and he must do so or that England starting place may well be gone.