Dele Alli. Talented, but temperamental.
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has had a break-out season in the Premier League, with 10 goals and nine assists from 33 appearances and was one of the major driving forces behind the Spurs’ title charge.
He was also one of the reasons for Tottenham’s title charge capitulation, suspended for the final three matches of the campaign by the English FA, after being caught on video deliberately swinging his arm into the stomach of West Bromwich Albion’s Claudio Yacob during their 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane.
Hence, the gloss was slightly taken off the PFA Young Footballer of the Year’s season, with fans left to rue ‘what could have been’ if their star youngster was available for selection.
Role in the team
Alli has received plaudits from just about every legend of English football, with a glowing endorsement from Sir Alex Ferguson.
“He is probably the best young midfielder I have seen in many years. Probably going back as far as Paul Gascoigne.”
The 20-year-old is the definition of versatility. In the England side, he can play deep in partnership with Spurs teammate Erik Dier, in a midfield pivot as the slightly advanced midfielder, even further advanced as a number 10 or even out wide.
Mauricio Pochettino found that Alli in a further advanced role, linking up with Harry Kane, was the most formidable position to start the youngster and one would expect Roy Hodgson to play him as an advanced midfielder in a pivot.
In England’s most recent friendly against Turkey, Alli was the most advanced of a three-man midfielder featuring Dier and Jack Wilshere. Expect that to continue.
Recent form
For England, Alli has had a glittering start to his international career.
He made his debut in October last year in a European qualifier against Estonia, coming on as a late substitute for Ross Barkley in the 2–0 win, but it was his full debut against France that really helped announce himself on the world stage.
Alli then spearheaded one of England’s most impressive wins in years at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, where they defeated world champions Germany 3-2.
Conclusion
Alli has a bit of grunt about him, something that England have desperately lacked in recent years. While England would be weary and wouldn’t want his temper to blow over and have a repeat of the David Beckham 1998 World Cup debacle, he has the ability to fire England into the European history books. Not for quite some time have the Three Lions been blessed with a talent like this.
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