Danny Murphy believes that Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli is more than capable of leading the line in the absence of striker Harry Kane.
Kane is sidelined with an ankle injury until early March, and the Match of the Day pundit has reinforced how unnecessary it is to make a short-term signing this month to cover for their star forward – especially if the £55,000-a-week [Spotrac] ace has the credentials.
Murphy while raving about the 22-year-old, added that the player has the speed to thrive in such a position, as well as having the ability to be good with balls in the air.
“I’d throw Dele Alli into the mix because I’d love to see him play as a striker. Can he leap and win balls in the air? Yes. Does he like it to come to feet and link play? Yes, it would need working on but he does have the bravery and desire to receive the ball in tight pockets and turn with it,” he said in his Mail column.
“Does he have the speed and mobility to run in behind? Yes, he’s done it from midfield where he can see the gaps. He would just have to adjust his timing.”
OPINION
Despite the fact that Alli operates as a midfielder, Murphy has a point in saying that he would be a good fit to replace his crocked teammate. He may not have the natural instinct that Kane has, but he certainly has the credentials to be a good replacement, just as Murphy has pointed out. His speed, mobility and ability to be good in the air will stand him in good stead, and it will certainly save Tottenham for forking out the cash on what could turn out to be an unnecessary signing. Imagine if they went in for some who turned out to be woeful? At least with Alli, you know what you are getting, and you know that he does it well. Some people may raise their eyebrows at having such a thought, but to be honest, it is not a bad shout. Yes, admittedly Spurs will lose some of their attacking prowess without Kane at the front – but with Alli, you are certainly not losing out on quality.