Kevin Campbell: Dele Alli was ‘systematically destroyed’ by Jose Mourinho before Everton move
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell says Everton midfielder Dele Alli has been “stripped of his dignity” and it will take time for him to get back to his best.
The former England star arrived from Tottenham at the end of the January transfer window but has so far struggled to make a major impact at Goodison Park.
But former Toffees striker Campbell believes damage done by former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho who froze him out in north London will take some time to recover from.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News he said: “I think Dele Alli, from what he was, systematically has been destroyed. He’s hardly played any football.
“I think the [Jose] Mourinho regime took away all of his confidence and everything.
“People in the media can speak about him – ‘He’s this, he’s that, he’s the other,’ let me tell you, when you’re actually in that position and somebody strips you of your dignity and who you are, it’s very very difficult to get it back.
“I think you have to look at him maybe with a little bit of kid gloves. You have to really check out, where is his head at?
“You’ve got to get his head right first, because it’s all very well thinking he’s going to come in and hit the ground running.
“There’s a lot more damage that’s been done than that.
“I think Frank Lampard and everyone are doing the right thing with Dele Alli, taking their time.
“Listen, Everton have got enough players to get out of the storm now, and Dele Alli needs to get a good pre-season in and get playing again, get that smile back on his face. That’s important.”
Once a Premier League star and international regular, the struggles that the 25-year-old endured following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino saw his standing fall significantly.
He has been a favourite target for criticism from the media, frequently singled out where it hardly seems warranted, which won’t have helped.
Coming into a relegation battle was never going to be ideal in his situation, and the two-time PFA Young Player of the Year still has time on his side to get back to his best.
In other Everton news, Frank Lampard’s managerial career could be over if he takes the side down.
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