Dougie Critchley has been speaking on the Football Daily YouTube channel about how Antonio Conte should find a role for Dele Alli at Tottenham Hotspur.
Alli began life at Spurs like a train, managing to register 63 league goal contributions over his opening three seasons, but since then, his form has simply fallen off a cliff, and so far, nothing appears to be changing under Conte, with the Italian boss yet to hand him a start in the Premier League.
Will Alli leave in January?
Yes!
No!
David Ornstein has reported that Spurs will be happy to let Alli leave in January, albeit more likely on loan, but Critchley believes that Conte should instead find a place for him in a stuttering Spurs attack that has only scored 16 goals in the league this season.
Critchley claims that Conte should be able to fit Alli into his Tottenham side.
“There should be a role for Alli under Conte. The Italian has often accommodated a midfield runner into his lineups like [Arturo] Vidal or [Nicolo] Barella, and Alli has the skills. But right now, he’s not doing much of anything.
“With 23 passes a game down from a previous high of 40, he’s about as involved as a striker, but only creates a single shot per 90. While his forward passing and dribbles have hit all-time lows, the only stat popping is defensive output, regaining possession five times a match.
“But while that’s impressive and testament to his desire to help the team, it’s hardly the best use of his talents.”
TIF Thoughts on Alli…
Considering that Alli has now worked under four different permanent managers at Spurs, and that apart from the beginning of his time under Mauricio Pochettino, he has not been able to showcase anywhere near the required form to be playing for a side competing at the top end of the table, it could well be difficult for Conte to find a reason as to why he should start Alli.
Alli’s best years may well be behind him in terms of his Spurs career, and thus, a fresh start at a new club could well be the best move for his career. Last year saw Daniel Levy bat away interest from PSG, but such is Alli’s form, he is now being linked with 19th-placed Newcastle United, although a move away to a side with lower expectations could well help reignite his career.
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