Eric Dier gives his verdict on Dele Alli moving to Besiktas
Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier has revealed that former Spurs player Dele Alli is happy at his new club Besiktas (h/t Evening Standard). It was a very surprising move for the 26-year-old to make this summer window.
Alli left the north London club after seven years in January this year on a free transfer. But the Englishman struggled to settle at the Merseyside club.
Ultimately, after a disappointing six-month spell the 26-year-old has been shipped out on loan to the Turkish giants who have an option to buy the midfielder at the end of the season.
But Dier has backed his former team-mate. Alli scored his first goal for the Turkish club in an away 3-2 win and Dier believes a fresh challenge could help reignite his career.
I spoke to him after his first game. I think he is happy to have a new challenge, somewhere fresh. I think he is excited by a new experience from a life point of view as well and all I heard were positive things from him.
The two Englishmen played together at Tottenham and Dier developed a close bond with the midfielder. There was so much hope and expectations for Alli, but a move to Turkey at 26 just shows his fall from grace.
Alli made a total of 269 appearances for the Lilywhites in all competitions, scoring 67 goals and assisting another 61. The 26-year-old also played a very pivotal role in helping his country reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup four years ago in Russia.
It remains to be seen what type of season the midfielder has in the Turkish league. Just 26, there is still time for him to rejuvenate his career. He could still have a shot at making the squad for the World Cup in November.
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Dier, meanwhile, has been in terrific form for Spurs this season. The defender has been one of the best players for the team so far and the fans will hope that he continues to stay in such form throughout the season.
