How is the once prodigy Dele Alli now?

 Dele Alli was once considered the most awaited "prodigy" of English football, but then this midfielder's career hit rock bottom when he was only 27 years old.

Dele Alli has been compared to Paul Gascoigne and Wayne Rooney, and is considered the future of the English national team. When he jumped from third-tier team MK Dones to the Premier League with Tottenham in 2015, Dele Alli was the most notable young talent in England. At that time, Tottenham overcame a series of giants to win this midfielder for only 5 million pounds - a real bargain.

At the age of 19, Alli went straight into Tottenham's main squad and played explosively as a striker behind Harry Kane. With Kane, he formed an incredible pair for Tottenham, culminating in the 2016/17 season. That was when Alli scored 18 goals in the Premier League and 22 goals in all competitions. He became the new hope not only of the "Roosters" but of the whole of England and was valued at 100 million pounds by Transfermarkt.

Dele Alli played sublimely in the Tottenham shirt

Dele Alli's playing style resembles the artistry of South American players but is very simple and effective. His ability to penetrate the penalty area reminds people of the "ghost" Thomas Muller. However, Alli's top performance did not last long. Sundry injuries and an unhealthy lifestyle caused this midfielder to gradually lose himself. When the pandemic broke out and English football had to pause, that's when Alli began to slide downhill. The free time makes this midfielder indulge in all-night fun and become lazy.

Previously, coach Mauricio Pochettino's sudden dismissal from Tottenham also had a big impact on Alli's psychology. Alli spent his last two seasons in Tottenham's shirt in a worse way. He was publicly criticized by Jose Mourinho before being harshly sent to Everton by Antonio Conte. From a midfielder valued at 100 million pounds, Alli was liquidated by Tottenham on a free transfer.

Everton took the risk of recruiting Dele Alli because their coach at the time, Frank Lampard, was confident he could help the midfielder "revive". Lampard is a legendary midfielder in English football and understands very well the playing style of players like him. However, Alli's problem does not lie in talent but in attitude and spirit. After a few matches showing his determination in the blue shirt, Alli gave up everything. After only half a year, he was pushed by Everton to Besiktas on loan. But even the Turkish club cannot stand this midfielder's temperament.

Dele Alli is only a shadow of his past self

After more than 7 months with Besiktas, the former Spurs star only contributed 3 goals in 15 matches. He was returned to Goodison Park ahead of schedule. It's almost impossible for Alli to find herself in the past.

Recently, coach Sean Dyche confirmed that Dele Alli once again had to go on the operating table. There is a high possibility that this midfielder cannot play football for a whole year.

He returned to "The Toffees" at the beginning of the season, but has not played a single match for coach Sean Dyche's team.