Paul Merson delivers verdict on Everton new signing Dele Alli
Paul Merson has suggested that Dele Alli is on the last chance saloon after making his move to Everton on transfer deadline day.
The 25-year-old joined permanently from Tottenham Hotspur. Although Everton haven’t paid anything upfront, with clauses in his contract meaning the deal can rise up to £40m (The Mirror).
The Sky Sports pundit has claimed that Alli is still one of the best on his day and that he can return to the England national team if he keeps delivering for the Toffees.
Merson wrote for Sky Sports: “This is it for Alli. It’s the last chance saloon.
“But it is all about Dele Alli now. It’s okay for us to say it’s his last chance and all that, but if he doesn’t do it here, it won’t matter a great deal. It will not matter if he doesn’t get another club. He will never have to do another day’s work in his life if he looks after his money.
“So, for me, I don’t think he’s that far away from England if he can get back to anywhere near the form, he had a few years ago. If he can do that, I think he’s a shoe-in for the squad.
“At the moment, we haven’t got that player who runs from deep and gets beyond Harry Kane. He’s a point of difference for Southgate if he gets back to his best.”
Fresh start
It’s a fresh start for Alli who will be looking to kickstart his career again after a nightmare the last couple of years.
He was once seen as one of the best young talents in English football and Mauricio Pochettino got the best out of him.
However, he has regressed in recent years. But he has the age on his side along with his vast talent.
All he needs now is hard work and proper application. He surely must give his everything in the training and on the pitch, and success will once again follow him.
Frank Lampard is probably the ideal coach he has wished for. As a player, Lampard was the country’s one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
Lampard was a great goalscorer and Alli possesses similar traits. He runs into the box, makes intelligent passes and is good at finishing.
Alli, of course, can play for England again. Gareth Southgate would love to have him, but he first needs to prove his consistency at Everton.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are perfectly placed to seal a summer swoop for the defender Benitez & Ancelotti wanted
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