Tony Cascarino mystified by Dele Alli situation in Everton loss v West Ham
Tony Cascarino has been left “mystified” by the case of Dele Alli who warmed the bench as Everton lost 2-1 against West Ham on Sunday.
Alli joined the Toffees from Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window, but it’s been an underwhelming start for him at his new club.
The 25-year-old is yet to start a league game at Everton, and Cascarino, a popular pundit working for talkSPORT finds it hard to understand why he wasn’t used against the Hammers.
“I’m mystified by the case of Dele Alli,” wrote Cascarino from The Times.
“Why take him from Tottenham Hotspur but then not pick him? Everton had several absences because of injury or suspension for the match against West Ham United at the weekend yet Dele still couldn’t get in the starting line-up and was not even called from the bench as they slipped to defeat.”
Alli is a curious case, and only the player knows what’s going on with him.
He was destined for greatness at Tottenham Hotspur under Mauricio Pochettino but since then his career has been on a downward trajectory.
A player of his calibre should be getting regular games but it seems the manager doesn’t trust him enough.
Is he not applying himself enough in training? Is he not showing the drive that Lampard is looking for? Only Lampard can answer.
His decisions and tactics have come under serious questions as Everton are struggling to climb up the ladder.
However, Cascarino has a point here. Everton were trailing 2-1 when Michael Keane was sent off, but the Toffees showed no desire to secure another goal and equalise.
It has been a recurrent theme. Once they concede a goal, they looked clueless, and there was a sense of meek surrender.
When you have a player like Alli on the bench, irrespective of form and fitness, you should throw him in the mix, as he is capable of producing moments of brilliance.
He could have made a big difference, considering his ability. But, Lampard doesn’t seem to be willing to take a gamble on him.
In other Everton news, Wayne Rooney says Everton ‘must win’ v Burnley, drops demand live on air.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on Everton plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.