Danny Murphy and Trevor Sinclair disagree over Everton signing Dele Alli’s car and clothes
Pundits argued over Everton January signing Dele Alli’s image live on talkSPORT on Friday as the argument over his car and clothes was brought up again.
Alan Brazil had previously criticised the midfielder on the station for driving a Rolls Royce, before Glenn Hoddle launched a critique of the players outfit in comments on BT Sport (Express), prompting manager Frank Lampard to defend him in a press conference (Guardian).
Brazil again brought the subject up live on talkSPORT on Friday (February 11, 09.15, leading to opposing viewpoints from former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy and ex-West Ham winger Trevor Sinclair.
Murphy criticised the former Spurs player, saying: “I think it was a poor decision. I think you need to read the room – Evertonians, the area, the way they think. You’re giving yourself a mountain to climb if you don’t start well and you’re turning up in a Rolls Royce.
“People will have different opinions and say we’re dinosaurs. I think there’s a way to conduct yourself to give yourself a chance. The way you talk, the way you present yourself.
The stance satisfied Brazil who said: “This is the voice of reason Danny, thank you.”
But Sinclair stood up for Dele, saying: “If you’ve got a player who expresses himself in clothes or cars or jewellery, so what? As long as that player comes in on time, trains well, is a positive influence… gives good performances, I don’t care what he wears.
“If you want to make it a rule, then make it a rule. Everyone has to wear a shirt and tie or club tracksuits… But for me, if you’re gonna give the lads that freedom… I don’t think it’s a problem no.
“I’d rather have someone who’s got a bit of personality, and does a bit on the pitch.”
Missing the point
The argument that has come up around the criticism seems to largely miss the point, and ex-QPR man Sinclair got closest to it here.
It is not a matter of whether or not a player should ever be criticised for their personal behaviour or their image, it is why are certain players singled out for it?
Murphy conflated the appearance and performance point, suggesting clothes and cars are valid reasons for attack if results are bad, which may be.
But the majority of the Everton squad is surely going to drive an expensive car, as will the manager, and the owner, and they are all responsible for the team’s performances.
Murphy himself said Robbie Fowler encouraged him to get a better car, before he went and bought a flash Mazda once he had earned some money so why is he different?
Frank Lampard is considered not to have proved himself yet, and Farhad Moshiri has presided over a mess this year, but critiques of them has remained relevant to their performance.
The ex-MK Dons player can be criticised for his performance at Newcastle in midweek, but the other issues pundits have found are irrelevant unless they are going to look at everyone else in the same way.
Sinclair also made the point that “squeaky clean” players in the past have been “rubbish on a Saturday”.
Ultimately either it is a problem or it isn’t, and should apply to everyone or nobody.
In other Everton news, Mark Lawrenson has made a score prediction for the huge clash with Leeds.