Dele Alli

[nyblue23]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=k477OphzLQA

While he’s definitely not the playmaking No. 10 we’ve all been hoping for since God knows when, two things get me excited about this video of his 50 PL goals:

1. He actually knows how to time and adjust his runs, something that no one else on our squad is capable of doing consistently (how many times do we see DCL whiff at balls because he was a millisecond too late?).

2. He reacts to the ball better than anyone else on our squad. I never realized how like Kane he is in that respect; so many of these goals are just him predicting exactly where the ball will ricochet and tapping it home.

[Isaiah]

The more I read about the finances of this deal the more I think the people running Everton have done a fantastic job here. Which has got me listening out for the four horsemen of the apocalypse. 

[Btay]

4 hours ago, Bailey said:

Is he that good of a footballer though? 

For me, he isn't, but he reads the game really well and gets himself on the end of things. He can finish too.

I'm not sure what his other qualities are. 

Technically he’s a good footballer. His last few seasons haven’t been great but if we can unlock whatever is was that got him producing the numbers from his early seasons he could be exactly what we need.

[RPG]

4 hours ago, Btay said:

Can’t doubt his ability or talent - it’s the bit between the ears for Alli. If Lampard can influence him at all in this area we’ve got a decent player. 

So, we have just bought another Ross Barkley?

[nyblue23]

6 minutes ago, RPG said:

So, we have just bought another Ross Barkley?

Did Barkley ever score 37 goals over 3 PL seasons?

[Cornish Steve]

1 hour ago, nyblue23 said:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=k477OphzLQA

While he’s definitely not the playmaking No. 10 we’ve all been hoping for since God knows when, two things get me excited about this video of his 50 PL goals:

1. He actually knows how to time and adjust his runs, something that no one else on our squad is capable of doing consistently (how many times do we see DCL whiff at balls because he was a millisecond too late?).

2. He reacts to the ball better than anyone else on our squad. I never realized how like Kane he is in that respect; so many of these goals are just him predicting exactly where the ball will ricochet and tapping it home.

Those are quality goals.

[Btay]

1 hour ago, RPG said:

So, we have just bought another Ross Barkley?

I think Barkley is a special level of thick but I would still think Lampard of all people could be a positive influence on him. Lets just try and get behind this lad, he has cost naught and in the 19 games to come he has the quality to get us further up the table

[RuffRob]

6 hours ago, plaidharper said:

Also he is cup tied and we do not have 20 games left.  So technically he could help us stay up and we could sell him for straight profit in the summer.  Makes me wonder if there is a sell on fee in the contract?

I am sure Levy is shrewed enough to make sure he does not miss out. 

[duncanmckenzieismagic]

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/12530040/alli-excited-and-delighted-to-join-everton

[Aidan]

37 minutes ago, RuffRob said:

I am sure Levy is shrewed enough to make sure he does not miss out. 

Yeah Spurs will be getting something out of this deal 100%. Levy is the tightest owner in football.

Edit: probably should have phrased that slightly differently, but I'm going to leave it as is.

[Pascal Chimbonda]

Spurs fan in peace here. I think the way this has been structured is best for all concerned.

Alli has had Poch, Mourinho, Nuno and now Conte try to get a tune out of him again. The first thing Lampard needs to do is ban his smart phone and playstation. Alli is the opposite of Lampard in terms of work ethic, and I can see him losing his **** with Alli after a month or two. 

 

I hope I am wrong. He was like the Milton Keynes Gazza. Played with such freedom. His game is pure instinct when on song. I hope Lampard recognises that, as I think he went about the game very differently in terms of practice. 

 

Breaks my heart to see him go, but he needed to. I hope he does well for you and gets back in an England shirt. I just can't see it happening.

[RuffRob]

48 minutes ago, Pascal Chimbonda said:

Spurs fan in peace here. I think the way this has been structured is best for all concerned.

Alli has had Poch, Mourinho, Nuno and now Conte try to get a tune out of him again. The first thing Lampard needs to do is ban his smart phone and playstation. Alli is the opposite of Lampard in terms of work ethic, and I can see him losing his **** with Alli after a month or two. 

 

I hope I am wrong. He was like the Milton Keynes Gazza. Played with such freedom. His game is pure instinct when on song. I hope Lampard recognises that, as I think he went about the game very differently in terms of practice. 

 

Breaks my heart to see him go, but he needed to. I hope he does well for you and gets back in an England shirt. I just can't see it happening.

Cheers, the beauty of this deal is that if he doesn't perform back to his best sort of level, the cost to us will be much lesser.

I imangine it will be linked to games played, goals scored, European qualification and potentially England recalls.

Hopefully the change will give him the motivation to get his career back on track. 

[Hoof_It_Nev]

8 hours ago, nyblue23 said:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=k477OphzLQA

While he’s definitely not the playmaking No. 10 we’ve all been hoping for since God knows when, two things get me excited about this video of his 50 PL goals:

1. He actually knows how to time and adjust his runs, something that no one else on our squad is capable of doing consistently (how many times do we see DCL whiff at balls because he was a millisecond too late?).

2. He reacts to the ball better than anyone else on our squad. I never realized how like Kane he is in that respect; so many of these goals are just him predicting exactly where the ball will ricochet and tapping it home.

I didn't realise he scored so many headers to be honest

[RuffRob]

He was great under Poch, a high press, possession based manager and not so great under more defensive Mourinho, Nuno and Conte. 

As the team develops, Lampard will be looking to play far more like Poch did. So in time the team is going to suit Alli far more.

[StevO]

19 minutes ago, RuffRob said:

He was great under Poch, a high press, possession based manager and not so great under more defensive Mourinho, Nuno and Conte. 

As the team develops, Lampard will be looking to play far more like Poch did. So in time the team is going to suit Alli far more.

Looking at the training video on the clubs YouTube channel it looks like he’s going for the high press from day one. 

[Romey 1878]

Just now, StevO said:

Looking at the training video on the clubs YouTube channel it looks like he’s going for the high press from day one. 

I'm getting hopeful. This is very dangerous.

[Palfy]

2 hours ago, Romey 1878 said:

I'm getting hopeful. This is very dangerous.

Your right with our defence very dangerous. 

[RuffRob]

2 hours ago, StevO said:

Looking at the training video on the clubs YouTube channel it looks like he’s going for the high press from day one. 

No fucking around with Frank then!!! Brave if he goes for such a big change from day one.

Newcastle (a), Leeds(h) and Southampton(a) coming up is a big run of winnable games. However, all losable games as well. Premier league is not very forgiving. 

 

 

[Cornish Steve]

7 minutes ago, RuffRob said:

No fucking around with Frank then!!! Brave if he goes for such a big change from day one.

Newcastle (a), Leeds(h) and Southampton(a) coming up is a big run of winnable games. However, all losable games as well. Premier league is not very forgiving. 

 

 

He has no option but to go for it. This is not a time for pussy-footing around.

[Gwlad all over]

7 hours ago, RuffRob said:

Cheers, the beauty of this deal is that if he doesn't perform back to his best sort of level, the cost to us will be much lesser.

I imangine it will be linked to games played, goals scored, European qualification and potentially England recalls.

Hopefully the change will give him the motivation to get his career back on track. 

Alli has hardly played since Mourinho dropped him so maybe wanted out when he didn't figure in subsequent managers' plans. Possibly a less public falling out to that of Digne.

[RuffRob]

4 minutes ago, Cornish Steve said:

He has no option but to go for it. This is not a time for pussy-footing around.

The opposite of the usual 'make your self tough to beat' approach.

If it keeps us up and exciting to watch on the way - then no problem from me.

 

[Romey 1878]

38 minutes ago, Palfy said:

Your right with our defence very dangerous. 

If Lampard goes with a three man midfield our defence won't look anywhere near as porous. Our midfield situation has been as much to blame for us conceding stupid goals as much as the defence is.

[Palfy]

2 minutes ago, Romey 1878 said:

If Lampard goes with a three man midfield our defence won't look anywhere near as porous. Our midfield situation has been as much to blame for us conceding stupid goals as much as the defence is.

Our problem with the high press is we haven’t got the pace with the likes of Keane and Mina at the back when they are pressing near the half way line, they haven’t got the legs to chase a ball played over the top, we could be leaving ourselves wide open having to defend so far up the field.  The midfield won’t be helping the back 4 when there 15yrds or more and pressing in unison to a ball over the top, you can only defend that with pace in the back 4. 

[Cornish Steve]

33 minutes ago, Palfy said:

Our problem with the high press is we haven’t got the pace with the likes of Keane and Mina at the back when they are pressing near the half way line, they haven’t got the legs to chase a ball played over the top, we could be leaving ourselves wide open having to defend so far up the field.  The midfield won’t be helping the back 4 when there 15yrds or more and pressing in unison to a ball over the top, you can only defend that with pace in the back 4. 

For that very reason, I suspect we're going to see a much younger back four starting each game. I expect there to be changes not only in midfield but also in defence.

[dunlopp9987]

2 minutes ago, Cornish Steve said:

For that very reason, I suspect we're going to see a much younger back four starting each game. I expect there to be changes not only in midfield but also in defence.

Yep, surely Godfrey will have to be one of the two starting center halfs if we're going to play a high press

[Cornish Steve]

1 minute ago, dunlopp9987 said:

Yep, surely Godfrey will have to be one of the two starting center halfs if we're going to play a high press

Before too long: Patterson, Godfrey, Branthwaite, Mykolenko.

[Palfy]

4 minutes ago, Cornish Steve said:

For that very reason, I suspect we're going to see a much younger back four starting each game. I expect there to be changes not only in midfield but also in defence.

There has to be we’ve defended a very deep line for a few years now, I would love to see us playing our football more in the opposition’s half than camped in our own. 

[Bailey]

21 hours ago, Aidan said:

 

I suppose sometimes that's all you need. If he can contribute to 15 or 20 goals a season I wouldn't be too concerned how good he is in other areas. If he doesn't it could be a problem. Whenever I think of him I recall that goal he scored where he flicked it over his head and volleyed it into the net from outside the box. That was a beautiful goal.

I agree, it kept Cahill in the team for years! 

21 hours ago, MikeO said:

But it's no cash at all if he flops (free transfer initially), will only be big cash if he/we have a lot of success, no brainer.

 

You don't know that though Mike. We have no idea how this deal is broken down and Spurs wont be getting rid of him for peanuts.

17 hours ago, Btay said:

Technically he’s a good footballer. His last few seasons haven’t been great but if we can unlock whatever is was that got him producing the numbers from his early seasons he could be exactly what we need.

Is he? I don't think he is anything special in that respect. 

2 hours ago, Palfy said:

Our problem with the high press is we haven’t got the pace with the likes of Keane and Mina at the back when they are pressing near the half way line, they haven’t got the legs to chase a ball played over the top, we could be leaving ourselves wide open having to defend so far up the field.  The midfield won’t be helping the back 4 when there 15yrds or more and pressing in unison to a ball over the top, you can only defend that with pace in the back 4. 

Pace isnt a prerequisite for a high line. Stones plays in one of the highest lines in the league.

Thiago Silva isnt rapid but still presses high at Chelsea. 

You either need pace or something between the ears. Im not sure ours have either but there you go  

[MikeO]

1 minute ago, Bailey said:

You don't know that though Mike. We have no idea how this deal is broken down and Spurs wont be getting rid of him for peanuts.

Widely reported that no fee payable until £/€(depending on who you believe)10m after he's played twenty games; so I don't know it because I wasn't involved in the negotiations but it seems a fair bet.

[Sibdane]

 

[dunlopp9987]

10 minutes ago, Sibdane said:

 

Oh yeah, there's absolutely a player in there. Just needs to be able to show it consistently

[Btay]

3 hours ago, Bailey said:

I agree, it kept Cahill in the team for years! 

You don't know that though Mike. We have no idea how this deal is broken down and Spurs wont be getting rid of him for peanuts.

Is he? I don't think he is anything special in that respect. 

Pace isnt a prerequisite for a high line. Stones plays in one of the highest lines in the league.

Thiago Silva isnt rapid but still presses high at Chelsea. 

You either need pace or something between the ears. Im not sure ours have either but there you go  

I said technically good - not special.

He is good on the ball and can definitely slip a through ball in, I think Richarlison could benefit a lot from his style of play. Fingers crossed at least.

[StevO]

 

[Hafnia]

good interview - seems a quiet/shy lad.    Which makes me think that Mourinho ambush was the wrong thing for him.

[Palfy]

A really nice lad he’s going to come out flying in his first few games and work his nuts off, which will get us all behind him we love hard work and passion at this club, I just hope he keeps the momentum going in every game, he’s been guilty in the past of taking his foot off the pedal and losing consistency if he does that here the fans will soon turn on him. 

[StevO]

8 minutes ago, Hafnia said:

good interview - seems a quiet/shy lad.    Which makes me think that Mourinho ambush was the wrong thing for him.

Probably doesn’t help having Amazons cameras on you while it’s all happening too. These things happening behind closed doors is one thing, but for the world to see, doesn’t seem nice. 

[dunlopp9987]

1 hour ago, StevO said:

Probably doesn’t help having Amazons cameras on you while it’s all happening too. These things happening behind closed doors is one thing, but for the world to see, doesn’t seem nice. 

Another reason to hate Amazon? Yes please!

[AlbanyNYToffee]

Dele got Jose'd. Simple as that for me. Let's see if he can recover. 50/50 chance at best. 

[StevO]

56 minutes ago, dunlopp9987 said:

Another reason to hate Amazon? Yes please!

My deliver arrived just after I had my breakfast this morning, so I won’t complain just yet.

[Bailey]

20 hours ago, MikeO said:

Widely reported that no fee payable until £/€(depending on who you believe)10m after he's played twenty games; so I don't know it because I wasn't involved in the negotiations but it seems a fair bet.

I think it was reported by one journalist and then others copied. 

Lets face it we all know how 'accurate' these journalists are and most of them are given information to push an agenda. 

I think it sounds too good to be true, which normally means it is!

2 hours ago, AlbanyNYToffee said:

Dele got Jose'd. Simple as that for me. Let's see if he can recover. 50/50 chance at best. 

He was going backwards under Poch from my memory too. Think the slide happened before Mourinho.

[Pascal Chimbonda]

2 hours ago, AlbanyNYToffee said:

Dele got Jose'd. Simple as that for me. Let's see if he can recover. 50/50 chance at best. 

No I promise you, Dele's decline started under Poch although a malaise took the whole team from where it was top 4 ever presents and UCL final - Poch got the sack. Dele actually improved under Jose for a while.

 

His lingerie model girlfriend dumped him for playing too much Fortnight. He rocked up to training at Everton in his Roller. He started his own clothing brand. His brain has been off football for some time I am sad to say, at least how it was in his first 3 seasons at Spurs and before that MK Dons. I just hope Lampard has an idea of how to get him going psychologically again. Ban his F'ing playstation!!!

I'll be the first one singing his song when you visit us. Can't wait. Along with "Dele's too good for you!!!"  

[Bailey]

19 hours ago, Sibdane said:

 

I really think that Dele Alli at his best is breaking from midfield and getting beyond the striker. I can imagine Dom back to goal, getting the ball down, laying it off before the ball gets fed through to Alli bursting past the last defender.

I actually think he also has a bit of sneaky pace. I dont know how fast he would be over long distances but he has sharp enough acceleration. 

[London Blue]

Very good pressing too, he's a very clever player. Can't wait to see him play for us!

[Wiggytop]

If he can regain his form it’s going to be good, he can create, score and press, and looking at the video gets back to defend well also.

Visually he makes me think of Jack Sparrow

[Palfy]

2 hours ago, Bailey said:

I really think that Dele Alli at his best is breaking from midfield and getting beyond the striker. I can imagine Dom back to goal, getting the ball down, laying it off before the ball gets fed through to Alli bursting past the last defender.

I actually think he also has a bit of sneaky pace. I dont know how fast he would be over long distances but he has sharp enough acceleration. 

Who’s playing the ball through Gray doesn’t like to give it Doucoure can’t pass and Richarlison holds on to it to long before giving it?

[StevO]

11 minutes ago, Palfy said:

Who’s playing the ball through Gray doesn’t like to give it Doucoure can’t pass and Richarlison holds on to it to long before giving it?

Keane, little clip over the top from the back.

[Btay]

49 minutes ago, StevO said:

Keane, little clip over the top from the back.

Can’t defend for shit but at least he can dink a ball through once a year

[Bailey]

2 hours ago, Palfy said:

Who’s playing the ball through Gray doesn’t like to give it Doucoure can’t pass and Richarlison holds on to it to long before giving it?

[Aidan]

2 hours ago, StevO said:

Keane, little clip over the top from the back.

Was just thinking that.

[Hoof_It_Nev]

3 hours ago, Palfy said:

Who’s playing the ball through Gray doesn’t like to give it Doucoure can’t pass and Richarlison holds on to it to long before giving it?

Just gave me a brain aneurysm

[SpartyBlue]

17 hours ago, Hafnia said:

good interview - seems a quiet/shy lad.    Which makes me think that Mourinho ambush was the wrong thing for him.

I mean…he has rainbow hair. I hope he goes the Pickford route. His play improved significantly as he transitioned into an adult haircut. 

[MC11]

On 01/02/2022 at 22:40, Sibdane said:

 

Certainly still got it

[Matt]

Finally managed to watch his interview and honestly, I didn't expect him to be so quiet and calm. Genuinely thought he'd have arrogance shining through, but not the case. Maybe Spurs just became the wrong place for him and that showed on the pitch. Looking forward to being proven wrong about him. 

[Romey 1878]

27 minutes ago, Matt said:

Finally managed to watch his interview and honestly, I didn't expect him to be so quiet and calm. Genuinely thought he'd have arrogance shining through, but not the case. Maybe Spurs just became the wrong place for him and that showed on the pitch. Looking forward to being proven wrong about him. 

Same here. He was not what I was expecting him to be like at all.

[Hoof_It_Nev]

Same. I was expecting a cocky, arrogant guy, hinting at stepping down from playing at a 'super 6' team (lol) alongside Son and Kane to little old Everton. He comes across as shy, nervous, and not media trained, like someone straight out of the academy. You really have no idea what goes on in anyone's head, but if his decline is literally a lack of confidence for whatever reason then fuck me, get his confidence back and this might be an absolute masterstroke. Best of luck to him. 

[Aidan]

In Lampard's press conference he was talking about how he likes the look of Alli playing off the striker, saying he thinks he's more effective further up the pitch.

[Cornish Steve]

2 hours ago, Aidan said:

In Lampard's press conference he was talking about how he likes the look of Alli playing off the striker, saying he thinks he's more effective further up the pitch.

I can see a partnership developing with Gray as well: They're similar in some ways. The person who's going to struggle to find his role in the coming weeks, I think, is Richarlison - but time will tell.

[Gwlad all over]

Pretty obvious that Lampard has his plan and he's probably aware that Richi could leave in the summer. The team can't revolve around him have a role. I really hope we now have a no-nonsense manager.

[StevO]

2 hours ago, Cornish Steve said:

I can see a partnership developing with Gray as well: They're similar in some ways. The person who's going to struggle to find his role in the coming weeks, I think, is Richarlison - but time will tell.

I think with Gray and Richarlison out wide, DCL up front and Alli playing between them and the midfield, that makes a really exciting line up for me. 

[Bailey]

I thought I would take a look at some Spurs forum (The Fighting Cock")to see what they were saying about Alli because I am really struggling to work him out. There are a lot of well wishers and appreciation for what he did at the club but ultimately they all think his time has been and gone. Here are some of the main comments:

"I have a feeling Dele peaked a good few years back. He was instinctive, something you cannot teach, and he lost that and seems to not be able to get it back. Worse still he thinks Fat Frank is an “Amazing” manager? Seems he’s just gone there for an easy ride where he will be the centre of attention and the big man again. I suspect the established stars at the club won’t like it. He’s all mouth no end product"

"Lost his pace and suffered from doing a job in MF for most of the season when we were bare bones. Since then always expected him back but been disappointed. I never thought it was attitude but physical, hope he works out around it. On the upside fat Frank never had the burst of pace so may help."

"I thought he was done, upset but no regrets... Other than the finishing against Liverpool he looked almost old Ali... Then nothing.

I hope he can rediscover old Ali but if not discover a new Ali."

"He will have games where he looks good again. But he can't consistently do it. The little edge he had the fast twitch muscle exceleration its been hurt by the injuries. Whilst never quick it was substantial enough to get him away from people once he had tricked them. I loved the kid. Id love for him to be his old self even for the Toffess but I genuinely don't think it's possible."

"Can't watch any more of these videos. It hurts remembering how good he was at making those runs, taking a delightful touch and finishing, to seeing him this past couple of years. It's such a decline it's almost untrue. I often think that we remember players' past triumphs more fondly than we probably should. It strikes me though that I've forgotten just how damn good he actually was."

"To be honest I haven’t been this sad about someone leaving Spurs since Poch was sacked. This just feels wrong. The fact is Dele is a victim of Mourinho’s management style and social media. I hope Dele regains that magic."

"So touching, right? Sucks to see a player move on, especially one that was part of some really good times as Dele was. However, Dele's real (net) usefullness ended many seasons ago and for those that recognized it this occasion is a relief.

Game after game of expecting and receiving shit displays after shit displays gets old real fast. And beyond that you have to deal with the ignorant apologists spouting their ignorance about this player that we have now had to give away...FOR FREE!!!! That's how bad he's been!!!! So bad in fact that folks are looking at this and saying "wow, we gave him away for free but it feels like a good deal". That's bad but really encapsulates the nonsense of certain supporters. There are still some that think he should be starting for us yet we gave him away for free. Can you believe that?

Some folks might think me a little churlish 'dancing on his grave' like this but A) it's only because they've not realized for 4+ seasons that this player has been hurting us and everyone 'dances on graves' but folks get holier than thou when it's the grave of someone they like. We all danced on Mou's grave but it was 'ok' then, right? Happy to see the back of this player and no desire for folks' hypocrisy. Sorry in advance if you've gotten your hopes up for htis player.
 

Toffeeman123 said:

I just wanted to ask a couple of questions about Dele and get the opinion of some of the fans on here.

Fire away. I will give you a very unvarnished take on this player that you will not receive while folks are busy crying over a player that has truly sucked for going on 4+ seasons but most think he will return to 'his best' of 5 seasons ago if we do 'X', 'Y', or friggin 'Z'. And what they will also not tell you is that when he is not scoring he is of little other value. Even during his salad days he was a moments player...and the rest of his game was league 1 shit.

Trust me on this, we have given him to you for free but you have still gotten taken to the cleaners...for multiple reasons. One is that Dele can only play from the left half space and truly struggles anywhere else on the field...and he's not great shakes in the LHS either if you expect him to do other footballing things besides goal-hanging cherry picking.

Second issue is that your LHS is occupied by Richarlison and there is no way Dele supplants that player. You don't play with a #10 but perhaps Lampard will look to do so. But then that brings us to a third problem because VDB has just been brought in and Dele will have to fight for a place...something he has shown little desire or character (and even less ability) to do here. If you are lucky, your club will figure this out in the next 18 games and not compound a bad decision by making it worse/permanent.
 

Toffeeman123 said:

At what stage and why do people think his decline happened?

You will hear many a story as to what caused Dele's 'decline' (all bullshit tribal revisionism by those that have little idea what they're talking about but don't want to say bad things about a player) but the truth of the matter is, and you will realize this very, very soon, he is not a very good all around footballer. As a matter of fact he is not much of a footballer at all. Most folks on this board, and quite a few more than is remotely reasonable at this stage considering the preponderance of evidence, ignored the clear signs of deficiency in this player's game and focused on the shiny objects that he would occasionally provide. Thankfully these FIFA playing dilettantes are not in control of decision making at the club and this player is gone to Merseyside. Thank you (and sorry), Everton!

To call Dele's current predicament a 'decline' is to miss the fuller story of this player. He is a nothing player in the main and you will see that before the end of this season. I guarantee you this! His technical ability is severely lacking and this causes him to take way too many touches at times where quicker movement of the ball would be beneficial. His inability to control a ball also causes him to miss windows for other players and passes. And his movement, such as it is, is basic (recycled run in behind over and over) and easily defended because his technical deficits preclude him from going into spaces requiring decent technical ability...the exact spaces you'd expect a #10/SS/creator to be at his best. Dele plays in the direction he is facing because his has no ability to control and turn on a man. You will see him 'going left' a lot. You'll know what I mean when you see it. And you will see it.

So, decline is not what we are seeing. Yes, we see a frustrated player. Yes, we see his stats are down. But truthfully what we are seeing is a player that is now relying on his very threadbare skillset. There is nothing there to this player and there never really was beyond the goals that a finely tuned machined served up for him to tap in. If you guys are expecting the same then prepare to be disappointed. He does have a nose for goal but that is at the expense of everything else you'd expect of a player. Can you carry such a player? And unlike Richarlison he can't make his own goal. He can't beat a man or strike a ball...or properly control a ball for that matter. Good luck!
 

Toffeeman123 said:

I know Dele has been implemented as a number 10 for the most part at Spurs, but has he ever been played as more of an 8, or in the wider positions? Also, I'm expecting more of a 'shadow striker' than a creator, but how capable is he at playing those intricate passes and playing in those half spaces linking play?

As I've said he can ONLY play in the LHS. He is going to drive you mad with his stupid flicks which he attempts ANYWHERE on the field. What most on this board really don't understand is that he does them because he can't control a friggin ball. You will see this. And now that you know, you will not unsee this...and it will frustrate you.

If you put him deeper in MF you will suffer. He has zero defensive instincts and little understanding of danger. He used to get around and blindside folks while pressing but in the traditional defensive sense he is a liability.
 

Toffeeman123 said:

Finally his attitude. I see some people questioned his attitude off the pitch, suggesting he's a bit of a jack the lad. Do people know if he trains hard and does be work hard when on the pitch?

All conjecture from folks round these parts. We have no clue what goes on in this player's life. What we should know is that it doesn't really matter if he abandoned fortnite or whatever the hell else he does he would still be the same player devoid of any discernable, intrinsic footballing talent. But I do hear that he is Messi-like in the work he does offscreen and in spaces they don't show on TV.

Folks are looking for any excuse to justify why they had it wrong for so many years!!!! We gave him to you for free beacuse he's been awful and the last 3 managers have wanted rid of him. Good luck to you folks. Perhaps Lampard, a similarly goal-scoring but useless all around footballer, can get him back to scoring goals and thus justify his presence. I doubt it because A) Lampard is a shit coach who should not be managing a club the level of Everton at this point in his career; Dele is truly an awful footballer; and C) your team needs more work. Mark my words, you will see.

You will be very disappointed in this player, in your board, and Lampard for wanting him. But you will be happy when you realize that he won't cost you any money if your folks are smart.

And make sure to pop back in to let us know how things are going. I look forward to that. And again, sorry."

"You've picked up a busted flush mate."

"Give him freedom behind the main striker I assume DCL and he is a very effective player in and around the box. Stick him in a fixed system in CM and he just sits on the ball and does very little. He is a very specialist player, he doesn’t suit most systems but if Lampard is clever he will play him in a free role off the main striker. Really that more than anything will determine his use to you. He will either be a fans hero or crap, there is little in between."

"He looked like a world-beater here for a couple of years but I think a mixture of things stopped him in his tracked. His attitude and focusing on other things outside of football definitely played a part. He used to play with such aggression but he's not had that in his game for a long time now, and it's what elevated him as he's not the most naturally gifted player around.

I've been saying he needs to move for his own sake (and ours) for a couple of years now. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him do well and score goals again under Lampard."

"Sad to see him go. Really hope Everton works out for him.

Think the attitude stuff is massively overblown. What did for him were the hamstring injuries. He lost the zip from his game."