Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle backs Dele Alli to rekindle his best for Tottenham Hotspur
In conversation with The Sun (h/t Mirror), Glenn Hoddle has praised Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli and compared him to fellow English stars Mason Mount and Phil Foden
The 25-year-old Spurs ace has struggled to maintain a starting position with the Lilywhites for the last couple of seasons. He has scored only 2 goals and managed to provide 1 assist in 11 games across all competitions this season.
Alli came to the forefront under former manager Mauricio Pochetino in his early days at the club but has failed to maintain that spark since. The Tottenham midfielder was given a chance to prove himself in the UEFA Europa Conference league tie against SBV Vitesse last week. He failed to capitalise on the opportunity as the North London club recorded a disappointing 1-o loss on the night.
Speaking about the English international midfielder. Hoddle highlighted that the 25-year-old is suited to a more attacking role in the middle of the pitch. He goes on to add that Alli remains a major asset to the club.
“Dele is a major asset. Playing at his best, he would score more goals than Foden and Mount…….. His biggest attribute is his ability to get into the box. And when he gets back to doing that, he will show us why he was so highly rated.”
Whether Nuno Espirito Santo will think likewise remains to be seen. There is little doubt that Alli thrives better in an attacking role. He has lost his mojo of late and it remains to be seen if he can rekindle it.
“At the moment he has lost his goalscoring ability and I don’t think he is being played in a role where he is being told to get into the box.”
Nuno’s men have struggled to create a sustained attacking threat this season. Tanguy Ndombele has impressed in bits and pieces but hasn’t had the consistency to carry the team. The French midfielder has scored two goals in seven matches across all competitions for the Lilywhites this season. Their main asset Harry Kane has also struggled to convert in front of goal.
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It seems as though the Portuguese manager is still trying to get his preferred squad and system in place at the North London club. Dele Alli could well be given a more attacking role as asked for by former Spurs ace Glenn Hoddle. The 25-year-old midfielder might just surprise the Tottenham faithful if such opportunities are provided to him in the near future.
Dele Alli is a two-time winner of the PFA Young Player of the Year award. Only Ryan Giggs, Robbie Fowler and Wayne Rooney have managed a similar success since the award was introduced in 1973/74. However, that seems eons ago and it remains to be seen if Alli can reignite his spark.
