Paul Merson: Tottenham Hotspur Dele Alli could benefit from the appointment of Antonio Conte
In his column for Sky Sports, Paul Merson has said that Dele Alli could have a revival under the reign of Antonio Conte following his appointment as the coach of Tottenham Hotspur.
The 25-year-old had a great start to his career with Tottenham under the tenure of Mauricio Pochettino. This also saw him win the title of the most valuable U-21 player beating the likes of Kylian Mbappe to the gong. Alli also went on to also win the PFA Young Player of the Year twice.
However, performances started dropping after his early promise and he has not hit the same heights again. Merson has now admitted that the Englishman could be given a new lease of life under the Italian.
Merson goes on to add that he expects Conte to replay his familiar three at the back system with Tottenham. This could free up Alli to do what he does best, attack and score goals.
“Spurs will play three at the back – I’d be shocked if they didn’t – then you’ve got to get people in the box. That could help Dele Alli go back to what made him the name he is – which is getting forward and scoring goals, making runs and getting into the box.”
The Arsenal legend further claimed that the Englishman’s decline is associated with him changing his game style. He thinks the Spurs midfielder should not be trying to dictate the play as it does not suit him.
“Nobody was like him in the league, and that’s why he was playing for England. He was breaking from midfield and scoring goals. I think he’s got a chance with Conte – he’s got to be like a Frank Lampard, breaking into the box and scoring goals.”
More Tottenham Hotspur News
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- Tottenham Hotspur fans react to the announcement of Antonio Conte as their new manager
- Tottenham Hotspur have prepared a €280 million transfer budget to back Antonio Conte in January
Those that watched Inter Milan in the last couple of seasons would know that attacking midfielders were often a big part of the game under the Italian. The English midfielder could reignite his career with the help of Conte’s insight into his game.
