It was not so long ago that Dele Alli was lighting up the pitch himself in North London. The midfielder was one of the key stars of the Mauricio Pochettino era at Tottenham and went on to amass 269 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring 67 goals and registering 61 assists (Transfermarkt).

In the last couple of years, however, Dele has lost his status as a star player for club and country, after suffering from injuries and mental health issues. The 27-year-old discussed the latter in an appearance on The Overlap earlier this year.

While he is currently on the sidelines with an injury, the Everton player has been doing the rounds this weekend and visited two very different football games.

Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

Dele spotted at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

After attending Everton’s 3-0 win against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon and posing for photographs with the Toffees’ supporters at Goodison Park, Dele opted for a different sport altogether on Sunday.

Dele was spotted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium yesterday as the venue played host to the NFL clash between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Buffalo Bills. He shared a post to Instagram showing a very familiar view from the stands at his former stomping ground.

It is not the first time Dele has visited the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, either. He was previously in attendance as Spurs defeated Manchester United back in August.

At the time, Tottenham captain Heung-min Son told the Independent how Dele was still a ‘member of the family’ at Spurs.

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A post shared by Dele (@dele)

Spurs Web Opinion

Dele is looking in good shape, and most importantly, he is smiling, which is fantastic. It’s nice to see him attending games, but it will be even better to see him playing again. Hopefully, he can get on the pitch soon.

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Liverpool Echo explained last week that the Toffees, who signed Dele on a free transfer from Tottenham in January of 2021, would have to pay £10m to the North London club if the midfielder plays seven more matches for them.

The publication quoted Sean Dyche as saying that the midfielder was close to making a full recovery from his muscle partial avulsion in the summer but then suffered a setback during pre-season.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 07: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur shares a joke with former teammate Dele Alli of Everton during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 7, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

The Everton boss further added that the club’s director of football Kevin Thelwell may look to open talks with Spurs over renegotiating the deal for Dele once the midfielder makes a full recovery.

Brown has now pointed out that re-negotiating transfer deals is not something Daniel Levy usually does but added that there is plenty of goodwill for Dele after he went public with his struggles during the summer.

Will Spurs release Everton from original Dele deal?

The journalist told GiveMeSport: “It wouldn’t make a lot of sense from Tottenham’s point of view to renegotiate it now, and it’s not something that Daniel Levy commonly does. 

“You know, it would depend on exactly how they want it re-negotiated and what they are suggesting. I know there is quite a lot of affection out there for Dele Alli and people want to see him do well. 

“I think both clubs actually do acknowledge that the guy’s had a tough time recently and would genuinely like to see him out there playing and succeeding and looking happy again.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The reality is that Everton are not going to pay £10m for Dele, given their financial predicament and if Tottenham do not re-negotiate the deal, he will not play seven more matches for the Toffees. So, it is in Spurs’ interest to renegotiate the deal if they want to get some sort of fee for the 27-year-old.

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Liverpool Echo state that the Toffees, who signed Dele on a free transfer from Everton in January of 2021, would have to pay £10m to the North London club if the midfielder plays seven more matches for them.

It is explained that this would prove prohibitive for the Merseyside club, given the various financial constraints that they are operating with.

Dele has been out of action since suffering a muscle partial avulsion back in March.

Dyche revealed that the midfielder was almost fully fit before the start of the season but he then suffered a setback during the club’s pre-season training camp in France, ‘popping’ an internal stitch when he struck a ball.

(Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

The 52-year-old is quoted in the Liverpool Echo as saying: “It went shoot, that was it… These stitches are more like an anchor inside his body and one of them popped so the specialist said we can go in again but we don’t want to, so therefore it is time [that is needed for his recovery]. It was incredibly frustrating.

“Just from striking a ball – and just to be clear he had probably struck 100 balls, not on that day, but he was clear that he was feeling great, so that is why it is so frustrating for him.

“After all he has been through it is an incredibly frustrating thing because he was literally training with us, warming up with us, doing the early drills and then he got injured.

“He had done all of the fitness work, got back on the pitch with us, a nothing situation, striking the ball and that’s it and then he is knocked back to square one.

“That is very frustrating for a player, especially for him and his recent history of getting well again. He has dealt with it very well.”

Everton may enter talks with Tottenham

Dyche said that Everton’s director of football Kevin Thelwell will open talks with Spurs over renegotiating the deal for Dele once the midfielder makes a full recovery.

He added: “When he is fit and well, I am sure Kev rather than myself, will go to Tottenham and say: ‘Right, how can we make this work for everyone?’ It has never been at that stage, so we have to wait for it to get to that stage.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Tottenham will likely agree to renegotiate the deal as Everton are not going to pay £10m for the attacking midfielder. Let us hope the 27-year-old makes a swift recovery and is able to get his career back on track.

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After signing for Spurs from League One side MK Dons as a teenager, Alli went on to become a Premier League sensation. His dynamic displays as part of a formidable Tottenham attack earned the midfielder widespread praise.

In total, Alli turned out 269 times for the Lilywhites, scoring 67 goals and registering 61 assists (Transfermarkt).

Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

However, his fortunes took a turn for the worse after Mauricio Pochettino was relieved of his duties as manager at the club. A drastic decline in form eventually led to Alli transferring to Everton in January of last year.

The 27-year-old has struggled during his time on Merseyside, and during a loan spell with Besiktas last season. Recent admissions about his mental health issues and troubled upbringing have shed some light on Alli’s circumstances (The Overlap).

Dele is part of the Spurs family, says Heung-min Son

The former Spurs man was in the stands at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening as the North London side defeated Manchester United. Speaking to the Independent about his old friend, Son was full of love for Dele Alli.

He said: “Dele was always close, as a friend with me. It was a really tough moment for him and obviously, I’m always there to support him because he’s one of my closest friends.

“I think this relationship is very special. He helped me a lot settling down in the UK when I was struggling. He was helping me a lot and is still a good friend of mine.

“It’s always good to see him and any time if he needs anything, any second, I will be always there for him. I don’t want him to have tough times anymore. We will always support him… I will always support him, like a member of family.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It is so nice to just see Dele smiling again and seemingly happy to be in a footballing environment once more. I really hope he can bounce back and play regularly, wherever that may be. Maybe one day he will make his way back to Spurs, which would be brilliant.

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Dele shocked the footballing world with his tell-all interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap, with the midfielder opening up on his childhood trauma as well as his addiction to sleeping pills and his eventual decision to go into rehab.

Marc Atkins/Getty Images

The 27-year-old’s brave admission led to an outpouring of love for the midfielder, particularly from Spurs fans, many of whom still have extremely fond memories of the player, who regularly conjured up pieces of magic in a Tottenham shirt.

It is fair to say that the majority of the footballing world, not just Tottenham fans, are rooting for Dele to make a fairytale comeback.

That certainly appeared to be on the cards when it emerged a couple of days ago that the former England international had been handed his favourite number 20 shirt – the number he wore at Spurs (The Sun).

Dele Alli is still a long way off Premier League return

However, Dyche has now offered a sobering analysis of the situation, explaining that Dele first needs to get fully fit before he can himself back into his Everton plans.

The Toffees boss said (via The Times): “He is still not over his injury yet. He is well in himself but he is not over his injury.

“We are miles away from that [thinking about his role in the squad], he is just getting himself right again. He is feeling good and now we will be working with him, on top of that, to make sure the injury is right. But it is still going to be a bit of time yet.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I would not at all be surprised if we see Dele back to his best sooner rather than later now that he has got things off his chest through the interview.

The midfielder certainly seemed like he is now ready to enjoy his football again. We know that he is at his best when he is playing without any pressure and trying to have fun out on the pitch.

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When he first broke through at Tottenham, it appeared Dele was set for the very top. The playmaker joined Spurs from MK Dons in 2015 and went on to rack up 269 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring 67 goals and registering 61 assists over the years (Transfermarkt).

Dele was a formidable presence in Mauricio Pochettino‘s Tottenham side, forging an effective link between the likes of Harry Kane, Heung-min Son, and Christian Eriksen. The attacking midfielder was crucial to the relative success Spurs enjoyed during that era.

Sadly, after Pochettino was sacked in November 2019, things began to go downhill for Dele. He struggled to hold down a first team place under Jose Mourinho, and a drastic downturn in form eventually saw Dele leave Spurs to join Everton in January of last year.

The 27-year-old recently completed a loan spell with Turkish side Besiktas before returning to Everton. In the last month, Dele opened up to Gary Neville on The Overlap podcast about his time in rehabilitation for mental health issues and the impact of his challenging upbringing.

(Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

Eric Dier reacts to Dele’s emotional revelation

During that interview, Dele mentioned how supportive Eric Dier had been to him. Now, the Spurs defender has shared his thoughts on the emotional discussion.

A tearful Dier told Football.London: “Obviously, it was difficult to watch. Lots of stuff, not everything, but quite a lot of it I knew already. I was with him just a week before, he was at my wedding.

“I don’t know what to say about it. I don’t want to say anything that I haven’t said to him. I wouldn’t do that. For me it was, as I said, it was difficult to watch, upsetting. I think my overwhelming feeling, which I said to him as well, is probably I’m upset that I didn’t do more.”

On Dele’s admission that he was abused as a child, Dier said: “I wasn’t aware of it. There were things that I was and wasn’t aware of.

“A long time ago I went to Milton Keynes with him and he showed me around where he grew up. He showed me everything so I was aware of the outline of the picture, the frame, but not the picture itself.”

During the chat, Dier found himself overcome with emotion on several occasions, but found the strength to add: “I don’t really like talking about it publicly because I don’t really feel like it’s my place, you know? I’m happy to say anything that I’ve spoken about with him to a certain extent. He’s been a great friend to me as well, you know.

“When I knew he was in rehab, I spoke to him a few times while he was there and I messaged him, because I was having my wedding… I said to him, ‘I don’t know if you’re going to make it’ [to the wedding], because obviously I knew what he was going through. And the first thing was that he was insulted that I’d asked him if he was going to be there.

“It was like it was unimaginable that he wasn’t going to be there even though everything he was going through. That’s the type of person he is. Dele has a heart of gold. He really does. I’m upset with myself and disappointed with myself that I didn’t do more.

“He’s a great friend to me as well, it’s not all one way. He’s done many things over the course of time that mean a lot to me. He’s someone that I know that I could call him right now if I needed him to be here in Singapore and he’d come. That’s the kind of friend he is.”

Dele mentioned in his interview that he hopes to come back stronger than ever in footballing terms, and Dier hopes his friend can achieve that. He concluded: “I think he’s probably in the best place he’s ever been. Obviously that’s what everyone wants. He’s still so young. He can still do whatever he wants to do, that’s the beauty of football. It’s up to him. It really is in his hands.

“It’s always in our hands as players to control whatever we can control. Obviously, the manager will make decisions and clubs will make decisions but as players all we can do is control what we can control. That’s giving ourselves the best chance to be able to play and play well.”

Spurs Web Opinion

There is a lot to digest there from Dier, and we can’t begin to imagine to know how he felt about the whole interview and what Dele had to say.

But, Eric has given a very honest and open account of things there that we have to appreciate and respect and it’s clear that he is going to continue to be there for Dele as he recovers.

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Sure enough, social media was awash with opinions and comments about the ‘timing’ of such a release, as well as a vast array of rather unsavoury remarks aimed at Eric and his capabilities as a footballer and where people think he should be plying his trade.

I think it is a fair enough point that last season at Tottenham was an unmitigated disaster – on so many levels. The team underperformed and in doing so played a brand of football that was insipid and uninspiring.

We let go a manager (and then his assistant) who, despite suffering a number of personal tragedies, never had Tottenham’s best interests at heart. Couple this with the growing toxicity amongst the fanbase towards the ownership and directors and you have a recipe for disaster.

However, one player has drawn the ire of the fans almost more than any other. The aforementioned Eric Dier.

Eric Dier (Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

I am sure he will be the first to admit that the 2022/23 season was by no means a stellar campaign for him personally; but the same can be said for almost every single member of the squad barring, inevitably, Kane and perhaps Bentancur, whose season was cruelled curtailed.

Some, such as Son, have openly apologised and addressed how they did not perform to the standards they set for themselves.

However, from Christmas onwards, the levels of vitriol and aggressiveness directed towards Eric Dier ramped up and up – until that fateful game against Newcastle, when it reached a fever pitch.

This ‘campaign’ – and it is a campaign – of hatred, is something that I have found difficult to fathom. Eric Dier has played at Tottenham for almost a decade and has been a model professional.

When Jose Mourinho was at United, there was strong interest in Eric (DailyMail), yet he remained and never actively sought a move.

He has always maintained that his favoured position is that of a centre-back, however, when played in midfield or as an auxiliary right back – as he did on his debut, where he scored the winning goal against West Ham, (a feat, let us not forget, that has ensured that Paul Stalteri will be remembered fondly in our hearts forever), he has always been a solid, if not spectacular, performer for Tottenham throughout his time at the club.

An argument levelled against him by his detractors is that when he played well others made him look better than he is, whether in midfield with Moussa Dembele or part of the back line with the likes of Jan or Toby.

Yes, perhaps this is correct. But the same could be said of Spurs legend Michael Dawson, who alongside Ledley King looked far better than when he was paired with the slightly more erratic Younes Kaboul.

Let us not forget that at the end of Conte’s first season, he was putting in immense performances alongside Romero and forced his way back into the England squad.

Obviously, being a Premier League footballer is a unique working environment, yet I am sure enough of us have been employed in situations where you have faced negativity and been put down.

How did it impact on your performance? My guess would be, like most people, you would struggle to hit your peak.

As much as I am loathe to make comparisons with ‘that lot down the road’, but there was a game last season when William Saliba scored an own goal.

The crowd’s reaction was to chant his name and cheer for him. The response from the player was obvious and we all know what kind of campaign he went on to have.

As a Tottenham supporter, I have not witnessed mass negativity towards our players since the likes of Jason Dozzell and Chris Armstrong played at the club in the 1990s.

But this season, the treatment of the likes of Dier and Davinson Sanchez has left a sour taste in my mouth. This is not the club I love. We should get behind our players in the ground and online.

If a player underperforms, or could do better, then, without doubt, fans should be able to articulate their frustration, whilst framing it in a way that doesn’t lean towards the malicious.

Berating players and humiliating them is quite frankly disgusting and in all probability counter-productive. Everyone, fans and players alike, want to see the club succeed.

It seems fitting in a way, that today Dele (one of Eric’s best friends in football) has opened up to Gary Neville (Overlap Podcast), in a most thought-provoking and emotional interview.

Indeed, he went as far as to name Eric as being a positive influence and having his best interests at heart – something Dele showed real gratitude for.

Having scrolled through Twitter since, it appears that a lot of people are feeling guilt, regret and a good deal of contrition about how Dele has been lampooned and vilified over the past years.

However, these feelings cannot just be a ‘flash in the pan’ – this needs to be a line in the sand. We need to consider how we treat our players.

Players that, in the main, want to do their best. They play football in a high-octane, high-pressure environment. If Eric Dier ends up staying, then I trust in Ange as to what role he plays in the squad.

However, if he does leave the club, I would like to thank him for the loyalty, the dedication and the professionalism he showed whilst playing at our great club and wish him all the best in the future. My hope is that others will too.

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In an extremely candid interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap, Dele opened up about his battle with addiction to sleeping pills, admitting that he had to check himself into rehab to overcome it.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 07: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur shares a joke with former teammate Dele Alli of Everton during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 7, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

The former Spurs midfielder also spoke honestly about his childhood trauma and how his inability to open up about it to others took its toll on him.

Following the interview, the 27-year-old has been celebrated for his courage in speaking out and showing others suffering from similar ailments that they are not alone.

A whole host of Dele’s former teammates, including the likes of Harry Kane, Davinson Sanchez and Jan Vertonghen have voiced their support for the Everton man.

Proud of @dele_official for speaking out and sharing his experience to try and help others. https://t.co/bLOnPdtIt7

— Harry Kane (@HKane) July 13, 2023

So proud of my friend speaking out and talking about his past. It's not an easy thing to do. Always here for you my man pic.twitter.com/KvsvFoeEAx

— DAVINSON (@daosanchez26) July 13, 2023

🥹🥹🥹⁦@dele_official⁩ https://t.co/BDPAbKot0h

— Jan Vertonghen (@JanVertonghen) July 13, 2023

Lennon, who himself has had battles with depression in the past, pointed out that this should serve as a cautionary tale to supporters to be considerate about what they say on social media about footballers.

pic.twitter.com/mT0CiEDYAq

— Aaron Lennon (@AaronLennon12) July 14, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

The distance and anonymity that social media provides has brought out the worst in all human beings, including football fans. It has become increasingly commonplace to cast a sporting error as almost a moral failing, with some fans often parroting some version of ‘the players do not care enough’.

In reality, they care much more about results and playing well than any of us do, which is why they have been able to make it to the top level. The pressures that come with trying to perform in front of the whole world in such a ruthlessly competitive environment, can take its toll on their mental health.

While it is great see Spurs fans coming out in full support of Dele, they also need to introspect and ask themselves if they need to constantly ridicule someone like Eric Dier, who is clearly a fantastic human being, loves the club and gives his all for the shirt.

As long as a player is wearing a Tottenham shirt, Spurs fans’ only job should be to support them. Of course, you can have your opinion on whether a certain player is good enough but it is unacceptable to constantly troll someone simply because you as a fan do not think someone is of the required level.

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In an interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap’s YouTube channel, Dele opened up on his struggles with addiction to sleeping tablets and excessive drinking while admitting that he had to recently check himself into rehab in the USA to overcome the problem.

He revealed that his childhood trauma played a part in his decision to enter the rehab facility for six weeks in recent months.

(Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Harry Kane shows support to Dele over traumatic past

During the emotional conversation, which lasted nearly 45 minutes, Dele spoke candidly about his childhood trauma and his battle with addiction and remarked that he was hopeful that the interview would inspire others facing similar problems to speak up.

Kane was one of the first players to take to social media to lend his support to his former teammate, with the striker stating that he was proud of the 27-year-old for speaking out.

Proud of @dele_official for speaking out and sharing his experience to try and help others. https://t.co/bLOnPdtIt7

— Harry Kane (@HKane) July 13, 2023

Dele has unanimously received support from several of his former England and Tottenham teammates, including the likes of James Maddison, Kyle Walker-Peters, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier (Daily Mail).

Tottenham have also tweeted out their love and appreciation for the midfielder, as have many Spurs fans.

pic.twitter.com/ffspOsiJXc

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 13, 2023

An Everton spokesperson said on Twitter the club “has been supporting Dele in both his return to fitness and overcoming the personal challenges highlighted in his interview with The Overlap”.

“Everyone at Everton respects and applauds Dele’s bravery to speak about the difficulties he has faced, as well as seek the help required. The physical and mental welfare of all our players is of paramount importance.

“The club takes very seriously its responsibility in protecting the confidentiality of players and staff. Dele will not be conducting any further interviews in relation to his rehabilitation, and we ask that his privacy is respected while he continues his recuperation from injury and receives the full care and support needed for his physical and mental wellbeing.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Dele is incredibly brave to have spoken about this in public. It will no doubt help others who are facing a similar battle with addiction and mental health issues. It is great to see that Spurs fans are getting around the 27-year-old and sending their love to him.

If you’ve been affected by this story and want to talk to someone, you can call the Samaritans free on 116 123 or at jo@samaritans.org

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Former Spurs boss David Pleat played an instrumental role in bringing the midfielder to North London when he persuaded chairman Daniel Levy to part with £5million to bring from League One outfit MK Dons, which proved to be a bargain in February 2015  while Pochettino was in charge of the first team (Football.London).

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Not only that, but Dele took to Premier League football like a duck to water and immediately earned a spot in Pochettino’s starting XI.

The Englishman became a key linchpin in the Spurs set-up, serving as the connection between midfield and Harry Kane in attack.

Dele managed an impressive 67 goals and 61 assists in 269 games for Tottenham (TransferMarkt), but his form dropped off a cliff once Pochettino left the club, and the midfielder was offloaded to Everton in a deal worth a potential £40million with add-ons but has failed to impress on Merseyside and also struggled on loan at Besiktas (The Sun).

Pochettino wants to have a phone call with Dele Alli

Although he definitely did not hint at signing Dele for Chelsea, Pochettino did admit that he wanted to have a phone call with his former player to see if he can help him.

Pochettino said (The Sun): “I hope to have some time to call and see because he is a great guy and I want to talk a bit with him. I want to help him and see what is going on.”

“He’s still young. For sure, he has the mentality.”

Jose Mourinho, who took over from Pochettino warned the England international of a potential demise during his time in charge at Tottenham, which has unfortunately proven to be true.

Speaking to Dele in Tottenham’s All or Nothing docuseries on Amazon Prime during the 2019/20 season, he said: “So what I want to tell you basically is this. I think you feel that I like you.

“You feel I like you as a player and I like you also as a kid, I think you are a nice kid. I don’t want to be your father because you have a father.

“I don’t want to be your uncle or your old brother. I just want to be your coach, but with a good connection. So, I have to tell you always what I think.

“Inside of you, maybe you tell me to f*** off, but I have to tell you exactly what I’ve seen. And for me, since the beginning, I had no doubts about your potential.

“I saw you do incredible matches and incredible things. But I always felt that you had ups and downs.

“There is a huge difference between a player that keeps consistency and the player that has moments. And that is what makes the difference between a top, top player and a player with top potential.

“It’s something that you don’t have to share with me, I think it’s just for you to analyse yourself and to realise why my career is being… MK Dons, top, national team, bang! And then you reach the top and then [up and down gestures].

“Why you have in your career these little ups and downs, I don’t know.

“I don’t know if it has to do with your lifestyle, if in one period you are an amazing professional, if in another period you become a party boy going out, I don’t know. I have no idea, only you can know that.

“I am 56 now, and yesterday, yesterday I was 20. Know what I mean? And today I’m 56, time flies.

“Time flies and I think one day, I think you will regret if you don’t reach what you can reach.

“I’m not expecting you to be the man of the match every game, I’m not expecting you to score goals every game. I want just to tell you that I think you will regret.

“You should demand more from you, not me demanding more from you. Not me, nobody, you. I think you should demand more from you.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

Dele Alli‘s career drop-off will unfortunately go down in history. He was a generational talent, and that really is not overhyping him. His numbers are rarely seen from a midfielder/number ten, especially at such a young age, there is still time for him to rescue his career, he just has to want it.

Hopefully, for his own sake, he can take on board the advice that Pochettino gives him better than what Mourinho warned him about.

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It had been widely reported over the past few weeks that Maddison was Ange Postecoglou’s priority target this summer (Telegraph) and the Australian will be pleased that the club have managed to deliver his signing before the start of pre-season.

ENFIELD, ENGLAND – JUNE 28: James Maddison poses as he signs for Tottenham Hotspur at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on June 28, 2023 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

According to reports, the deal to bring the attacking midfielder to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is worth £40m, which undoubtedly represents a bargain for a player who has put up extremely impressive numbers in the Premier League over the last few years.

In his first interview with Spurs’ official channel, Maddison admitted that his conversation with Postecoglou played an important role in convincing him about the move.

Dele Alli loves seeing Maddison in a Spurs shirt

The midfielder has taken to Instagram to admit that he cannot wait for this new chapter of his career at Tottenham and Dele responded to the post with a series of heart-eye emojis.

Some of Maddison’s England teammates, including Jack Grealish, Jude Bellingham and Kyle Walker-Peters, also commented on the post, congratulating the 26-year-old on the move.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by James Maddison (@madders)

pic.twitter.com/4Dz7jknuRF

— Subhankar Mondal (@subhankarjourno) June 29, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

Maddison is evidently a very popular figure among his teammates, which suggests that he would be a great character to have at Tottenham.

The fact that he knows the likes of Kane, Dier and Forster from England duty would help him settle into his new surroundings.

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Alli’s loan move to Besiktas did not go to plan as the midfielder ended up playing just 13 league games in Turkey during the 2022-23 campaign before suffering a season-ending injury in April. 

Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images

Dyche was only appointed Everton manager in January and has thus not had the chance to work with the former Tottenham man yet.

The Toffees boss revealed back in April that he had spoken with the 27-year-old about potentially returning to the fold at Everton.

Dyche said at the time (via Liverpool Echo): “I just got a sense that he wants to be back playing football and playing well.”

Seven games away from a Dele Alli pay day for Spurs

However, The Times have now explained that as part of the deal Everton agreed with Tottenham for Alli in the January of 2022, the Merseyside club would have to pay the North Londoners £10m if he makes 20 appearances.

So far, the former MK Dons has made 13 appearances for the Toffees, which means they would owe Spurs the aforementioned sum if he plays just seven more times for the club.

It is suggested that the Goodison Park hierarchy might look to initiate a mutual termination of Alli’s contract this summer.

Spurs Web Opinion

There is no way that Everton would want to pay £10m for Dele, who has seemingly not shown much interest in getting his career back on track since making the move to the club.

It remains to be seen if any other Premier League club would be willing to take a gamble on the midfielder if Everton agree to terminate his contract this summer.

The post Report: Tottenham’s Dele Alli clause could impact Everton’s decision on his future appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

It was not long ago that Dele Alli was considered by many to be the future of both Tottenham and England, with the midfielder’s subsequent decline leaving many scratching their heads.

Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

The 27-year-old might have hoped to get his career back on track when he left Tottenham to join Everton during January of last year but he struggled to get starts under his belt at Goodison Park.

Alli joined Besiktas on loan last summer but he has continued to struggle in Turkey, playing just 13 league games for the club before suffering a season-ending injury.

Iwobi has now revealed that while midfielder impressed when it came to training ground matches at Everton, he did not apply himself during the drills, which is why Frank Lampard could not really trust him.

The winger said on The Filthy Fellas YouTube Channel: “With him, he will say it himself, he isn’t a training player. Unless it’s a match in training and then you see Dele perform.

“When it comes to training matches, he is a joke. When it comes to drills – he tries, but because he’s slow with it. When it comes to games, he will score and assist or something. It was hard for him to play. 

“If you’re not just doing it in training, and at the time, the manager needed reliable players. He couldn’t really put his trust in him. We all know Dele could have performed.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I suspect this is just a kind way of saying Dele completely stunk up the place at Everton and did not look anywhere near good enough in training.

Looking from the outside, it does seem like the 27-year-old has lost his love for the game over recent years.

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Alli has struggled to make an impact since his loan move to Besiktas last summer, with the midfielder having made just 13 appearances for the Turkish club all season (Transfermarkt).

Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images

The former Tottenham man was even accused by Besiktas head coach Senol Gunes of going AWOL after permitted time off last month (The Mirror).

The 27-year-old was also caught in the eye of another storm last week after being pictured surrounded by gas canisters with a balloon in his mouth (The Sun).

Football Insider revealed recently that Alli was set to fly back to England with the Toffees medical staff eager to examine a muscle problem he had picked up in Turkey. 

The publication added that the Toffees might even pay off the remainder of the 27-year-old’s contract in order to avoid paying clauses worth up to £40m that exist in the deal that brought Alli to Goodison Park on a free transfer from Tottenham in January of last year.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for the midfielder but he has now confirmed that he will not kick a ball again this season after going under the knife.

Alli said (via Fabrizio Romano): “Surgery done, all successful. I focus on full recovery now after tough weeks. My season, unfortunately, comes to an end I’m gonna take a break from socials and hit my recovery hard. I’ll be back when I am ready.”

“Surgery done, all successful. I focus on full recovery now after tough weeks. My season unfortunately comes to an end”.

“I’m gonna take a break from socials and hit my recovery hard. I’ll be back when I am ready”.

Dele Alli #EFC pic.twitter.com/xELuGUAa8F

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 15, 2023

Spurs Web Opinion

Being off socials is the right thing for Dele to do, given the controversies of the last few weeks.

While no footballer wants to be out injured, the few months off can perhaps help the midfielder reassess the past few years of his career and help clear his head regarding what he wants to do going forward.

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Alli has struggled to make an impact since his loan move to Besiktas last summer, with the midfielder having made just 13 appearances for the Turkish club all season (Transfermarkt).

Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images

In fact, the former Tottenham man has not been part of Besiktas’ last four matchday squads and was recently accused by head coach Senol Gunes of going AWOL after permitted time off.

Gunes said about Alli last month (via The Mirror): “We gave Dele Alli permission for a small break, he hasn’t come back yet. It’s raining, that’s probably why he didn’t come. We’re trying to find out where he is.”

The 27-year-old has been caught in the eye of another storm recently after being pictured surrounded by gas canisters with a balloon in his mouth (The Sun).

Football Insider have now revealed that Alli is set to fly back to England with the Toffees medical staff eager to examine a muscle problem picked up by the Englishman.

The report adds that Besiktas are not likely to trigger a £6.9m permanent clause in their loan deal, with the Merseyside club now said to be facing a fresh headache over the midfielder’s future.

It is explained that clauses worth up to £40m exist in the deal that brought Alli to Goodison Park on a free transfer from Tottenham in January of last year.

Football Insider assert that in order to avoid those being triggered, Sean Dyech’s men are expected to pay off the midfielder’s contract this summer.

Spurs Web Opinion

Dele has evidently lost his love for football, which can happen to players who have had such a huge decline in such a short space of time.

Just because the 27-year-old has the required talent to play football at the highest level, does not necessarily mean that he should love the sport.

I would not be surprised if the midfielder decides to hang up his boots sooner rather than later.

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It was not long ago that Alli was considered by many to be the future of both Tottenham and England, with the midfielder’s subsequent decline leaving many scratching their heads.

The 26-year-old might have hoped to arrest his slide and get his career back on track when he joined Besiktas on loan during the summer but he has continued to struggle in Turkey, with just two league goals in 13 appearances so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Sky Sports Football Daily reported back in January that Besiktas were even prepared to cut the midfielder’s loan spell short and send him back to Everton.

However, it was explained that they would have still owed the Toffees the full £1m loan fee since there is no break clause in the loan deal, which might have been why the player remained at the Turkish club.

Allardyce, who managed Alli during his short stint as England boss, admitted that the former Tottenham man was an ‘outstanding’ talent and suggested that off-field issues are likely to blame for his decline.

The former Bolton boss said on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast about the midfielder: “It’s a real waste of talent that. A raw, outstanding talent. He came on as a sub in that game I had (for England), and he turned the game in our favour to win it. There was nothing wrong with him when he got on the pitch, he was outstanding.

“You see players generally have a dip a bit younger when they breakthrough so young, but he was so established and such a big part of Tottenham’s success, if you can call it a success, and then nobody expected that. I don’t know whose responsibility it was. As a manager, I’d have asked what’s wrong, because it had to be off the field.”

Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images

Spurs Web Opinion 

Dele just seems like someone who has fallen out of love with football, which can sometimes happen to players who taste a lot of success quite early in their careers and then struggle to get back to the same heights. 

What makes his story unique is the sheer speed of his decline as he went from one of the best players in the Premier League to struggling to start for Besiktas in the space of three years.

The post ‘A real waste’ – Sam Allardyce surprised by what happened to former Spurs man appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

It was not long ago that Alli was considered by many to be the future of both Tottenham and England, with the midfielder’s subsequent decline leaving many scratching their heads.

Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images

The 26-year-old might have hoped to arrest his slide and get his career back on track when he joined Besiktas on loan during the summer but he has continued to struggle in Turkey, with just one league goal in seven appearances so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Sky Sports have now revealed that Besiktas want to cut the former Tottenham man’s loan spell short and send him back to Goodison Park.

However, it is explained that there is no break clause in the loan agreement that Everton struck with the Turkish club in the summer.

Frank Lampard’s men are thus expected to demand the full loan fee of £1m from Besiktas as well as the agreed contribution of the player’s wages. Due to this, it is asserted that it is ‘highly unlikely’ that Alli will return to the Merseyside club this month.

Spurs Web Opinion

It is impossible to judge from the outside what is going on in Dele’s life but by the looks of it, he seems to have fallen out of love with football, which can happen to a player who has had such a steep decline. I would not be surprised if the 26-year-old hangs up his boots in the near future.

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Bellingham’s rise since his move to Dortmund has been meteoric and the youngster has demonstrated during the World Cup just why he is so highly thought of.

(Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP) (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)

The teenager has been England’s best player so far, marrying a fantastic engine and great technical quality with composure on the ball.

Bellingham’s rise is not too dissimilar to Alli’s, who made his debut for the Three Lions as a teenager and played in his first major tournament just after turning 20.

The former MK Dons man appeared to have the world at his feet but he has had a dramatic decline over the past three years, and now finds himself struggling to make an impression at Besiktas.

Toure, who is now an academy coach at Spurs, warned the English media to protect Bellingham and not to put pressure on him as they did with Alli.

The Manchester City legend told The Athletic: “I hope the media are careful with him because we saw a similar situation a few years ago with Dele Alli, who struggled at times with being presented as a leader for club and country.

“It’s important for everyone to be protective of Bellingham for his development, because it’s clear that he has a bright, bright future with England.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The reasons behind Dele’s decline are manifold but perhaps it also had partly to do with the expectations on his shoulders at a young age and believing in his own hype. 

Bellingham seems a much more grounded young man, who is keen to continue learning, which is why I think he is a much safer bet to evolve into one of the best midfielders in the world.

The post Spurs coach Yaya Toure shoots Dele Alli warning to Jude Bellingham and England appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

It was a momentous day for Son as he captained his side to a dramatic 2-1 win over Portugal to see South Korea through to the knockout stages of the World Cup in Qatar. With Uruguay winning against Ghana, South Korea needed all three points to take second spot in Group H.

(Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

With the score poised at 1-1 heading into injury time, Son picked the ball up in his own half and went on a fantastic run before slotting in Hwang Hee-chan with a wonderful through ball, who applied a cool finish to give South Korea the win.

Emotions were high after the game, with images emerging of Son and his teammates in tears of joy after sealing qualification for the last 16.

Son’s assist was his first notable contribution to the World Cup so far, but he came good at just the right time. That was the 30-year-old’s 18th assist at international level, adding to his 35 goals in 109 appearances (Transfermarkt).

South Korea’s success was celebrated by many neutrals, and the scenes clearly caught the eye of Son’s former teammate Dele Alli, who took to social media to celebrate his friend’s big moment.

| Dele with a message for Sonny on Instagram pic.twitter.com/xhKlXIGSlH

— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) December 3, 2022

On his Instagram, Alli shared a picture of Son and his teammates celebrating after the final whistle, with the caption: “So happy for you my brother.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It was a huge moment for Sonny and hopefully, that can be a real spark to set his tournament alight now. It’s good to see how much love he is getting from fans, pundits, and teammates alike and it’s nice to see Dele supporting his friend like this. It’s just a shame he isn’t at the World Cup himself, but that ship has long sailed, unfortunately.

The post ‘My brother’ – Dele Alli sends message to Spurs star after World Cup win appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

After his dramatic decline over the last two to three years, Alli would have hoped to get his career back on track and to start enjoying his football again away from the bright lights of the Premier League when he completed a season-loan loan move to Besiktas in the summer.

Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images

However, things have not gone according to plan for the former Spurs star since his switch to Turkey, with the on-loan Everton midfielder having scored just once in seven league appearances in the first part of the 2022-23 campaign (Transfermarkt).

Besiktas manager Senol Gunes even publicly criticised the 26-year-old after hauling him off at half-time in his side’s 5-2 win over Umraniyespor last month (The Sun).

If Takvim’s latest report is to be believed, the Turkish club are already looking beyond the England international. It is asserted that Gunes’ men have identified Sivasspor’s Dia Saba as a potential replacement for Alli in January.

Spurs Web Opinion

While Takvim state that Saba has been identified as a replacement for Alli, who could leave in January, they do not specify if it is the former Tottenham man who wants to leave or if Besiktas wish to cut his loan spell short. Given his under-par performances so far this season, I would not be surprised if it is the latter.

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