Dele Alli was back to his devastating best on Saturday evening in Tottenham’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea, providing a goal and an assist to cap a complete all-round display.
Alli is a player who is so regularly accused of lacking consistency and offering nothing more than a target to aim for in the penalty area, but his masterclass against the Blues showcased the various strings to his bow which make him one of Europe’s most highly-respected young players.
The 22-year-old simply cannot get enough of playing against Chelsea. Those players who reserve their most captivating performances for the big games are often the talents who are motivated by their passion for the bragging rights.
Alli unquestionably falls into that bracket and it’s his devilish streak, one that has made him something of a pantomime villain across the country, which can make him so irresistibly infectious for his teammates, yet so agonisingly frustrating for the opposition.
The relationship established between Alli and Kane has blossomed into an incisive partnership capable of dismantling defences of the highest quality, but there is reason to suggest that the former MK Dons man would thrive in an altogether different dynamic.
The dynamic in question is one which would see him link-up with Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham’s £22 million summer signing from Newcastle United.
Like Alli, Mitrovic is a player with a notable mean streak; the spark of a born-winner; an attitude which cares little for the opinion of those judging from afar.
Considering Tottenham are clearly lacking the presence of a quality back-up for Kane, it’s fair to say that Levy will be kicking himself in light of the Serbia international’s prolific opening to the campaign.
Mitrovic currently tops Fulham’s goal scoring charts with seven goals in thirteen Premier League appearances, while, at international level, he scored six from six in UEFA Nations League qualifying.
That kind of form is no joke. This is a player who will be commanding attention from Europe’s hot shots in the coming months, and Tottenham may have missed a dream opportunity to sign a player who would make the likes of Vincent Janssen and Roberto Soldado look like Sunday league players.
Alli and Mitrovic working in tandem would be a nightmare scenario for top level defenders; they are both incredibly intricate and instinctive, ominously clinical, physically commanding in the penalty area and, pertinently, boasting a mental attitude which is factory-made for high-profile encounters.
Levy may have missed the perfect chance to complement Alli and provide the perfect back-up for Kane at a dream price, but he wasn’t to know that in the summer, was he?
Tottenham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
