Kevin Campbell suspects hidden ‘damage’ in Dele Alli post-Jose Mourinho amid Everton regression
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…
Dele Alli’s problems at Everton are psychological and stem from his time under Jose Mourinho at Tottenham believes Kevin Campbell.
The January signing has struggled to make an impact since he arrived at Goodison, and has been left on the bench for the past three games, with defender Mason Holgate preferred in midfield despite Donny van de Beek’s injury.
Former Toffee Campbell believes there is likely hidden damage for the player who was once an England regular, but says the club have to play the long game with him.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News he said: “I don’t know the exact issues with what’s going on, but I think some of those issues are mental.
“I think it’s a psychological type thing.
“See, a couple of seasons ago Dele Alli would have been the first name on the Spurs team sheet right?
“Now after Mourinho etc. his confidence has been shot to pieces.
“And he’s signed permanently, let’s have it right. It’s not just a loan, he’s signed permanently.
“So they’re obviously going to be looking at helping him long term, not just short term.
“And there’s enough players there to fill in.
“But I think there’s a lot more damage there than meets the eye, if I’m honest.”
From the outside it is clearly a concern that a player with such a reputation is being overlooked in favour of a defender, and it is hard not feel like Frank Lampard’s plans for him aren’t working.
It likely is a psychological hold up but Dele did start experiencing recurring hamstring issues towards the end of Mauricio Pochettino’s time at Spurs so perhaps there is a physical element too.
If it is psychological then the general atmosphere around the club won’t be helping currently, and nor will the endless criticism he receives from all angles in the media from people who don’t appear to understand how those sorts of problems work.
In other Everton news, a former Toffees player wants Lampard sacked before it’s too late.
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