It’s been a remarkable season for Tottenham for so many reasons, both good and bad and, after a thoroughly disappointing loss to Liverpool, it’s now come to a close. Still, while there were so many memorable moments throughout, perhaps on an individual level, it’s one to forget for Dele Alli. Here, in our It’s a big season for feature, we’ll be taking a look as to why the upcoming campaign is so important for the man in question.
The midfielder, who once scored 18 and assisted seven in a single league campaign, managed just five goals and three assists this season. Frankly, these are drastically lower figures and while he operated in a deeper role for much of the campaign, Alli looked a shadow of his former self.
Still aged just 23-years-old, Alli had proved to be one of the biggest prospects in world football. Yet, the Englishman has thus far failed to live up to his potential. Throughout the season, Alli was wasteful in possession and often a passenger, perhaps none more so than in the Champions League final in which he produced next to nothing while on the pitch.
3 shots and a 77% pass completion rate during the final in Madrid was barely much to shout about, after all.
Now, this may sound harsh on a player who clearly possesses so much skill. Just have a look at his flicked assist for Lucas Moura’s exquisite last gasp hat-trick goal in Amsterdam. It was sublime. However, the performances were simply not consistently good enough this season.
He so often goes missing in games, but can come up with a vital goal or assist, it makes it difficult to leave him out. Honestly, how many times have you watched him do nothing before popping up in the box to nab a goal? Yes, that’s a good trait to have, however, when these moments don’t occur, what does he actually do?
Alli is valued at £90m (as per TransferMarkt) and this is why it’s so important for him to have a better season next time around. Another bad season and he could really be short of options. Would any club spend close to £100m to capture his services at this point? It’s highly unlikely. And if he continues in this form for Tottenham, perhaps he could soon lose his place in the starting eleven.
Having, Alli will surely almost certainly not be willing to take a step down from Tottenham, and rightfully so. He is undeniably a phenomenal talent, but he needs to now show it – and quickly.
For before long, his Tottenham and England positions could both be in serious jeopardy.
Tottenham fans, should Pochettino consider replacing Alli? Should he be a starter next season? Comment below…
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