Everton behind the scenes information on Dele Alli future and fitness emerges
Everton midfielder Dele Alli is not unfit and has a good relationship with Frank Lampard, who has not lost faith in him, The Athletic reports.
The former Tottenham midfielder arrived in a late January deal but has been unable to impose himself with the Toffees, and has been the subject of widespread media criticism from pundits.
But the England midfielder has received “honest” feedback from his manager and there are “no hard feelings and no panic” about his lack of game time, according to a those close to the player.
Greg O’Keeffe writes in The Athletic today (3 April): “Contrary to rumours that he is unfit, others close to the club maintain Dele works hard in training while also conceding there is ultimately a difference between fitness and match sharpness.
“It is true the former England international was lacking condition at the start of February but he has been committed to addressing that at Finch Farm even without the benefit of full games under his belt.
“While there is no discontent, there is an admission from those close to him that the situation will need to be assessed in the summer if Dele has still not had many chances, but they hope he remains a long-term part of Lampard’s plans.”
Nothing to worry about, yet
Dele has become a lightning rod for criticism ever since his arrival on Merseyside but those close to him at the club appear to be rallying around.
His manager defended him against “strong” criticism from Stan Collymore during his press conference ahead of the match with West Ham (Guardian).
And teammate Dominic Calvert-Lewin has strongly backed the midfielder in comments to the club website.
With the team in such bad form it is hardly a surprise that a player who had endured a rough time at his previous club and was in no rhythm has not immediately started firing at Goodison.
Nobody has been consistently good, even those who play every week, hence why they have a relegation battle on their hands.
If the team could pick up a couple of positive results it would take significant pressure off and likely afford Dele more of a chance to get a run going.
The hint of a divorce in the summer apparently remains though, so if the fight against the drop goes right to the wire and the former PFA Young Player of the Year remains out of the side questions may be asked.
But it sounds as if the current situation is no worse than was ever expected on the inside for a player looking to recapture past glory.
In other Everton news, Kevin Campbell says Dele was “systematically destroyed” during his time at Spurs.
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