BBC journalist delivers verdict on Dele Alli performance in Everton draw v Leicester
BBC Sport journalist Alistair Magowan was impressed by Dele Alli’s performance as Everton drew 1-1 with Leicester at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.
Alli, 26, came off the bench in the second half to make his first appearance for the Blues since 13 March.
The ex-Tottenham midfielder played a role in Richarlison’s last-gasp equaliser and did make a difference despite his lack of fitness, according to Magowan.
“Dele Alli has definitely made a positive difference to Everton, but looks a bit rusty. At least he is providing an alternative to Alex Iwobi as someone who can carry the ball forward,” said Magowan, as quoted on the BBC Sport website on Wednesday night [20 April, 09:13pm]
“On comes Salomon Rondon. Is he the answer Everton are looking for?”
Big impact
We’ve got to hand it to Alli, that was his best and most effective performance in an Everton shirt yet.
Since joining from Tottenham in January, the England midfielder has been an absolute waste of time and money.
He’d been overlooked by Frank Lampard for the last four Premier League games and due to his fitness and overall poor form, you can understand why.
But in a game where the attack needed all the support it could get, it was the right decision by Lampard to throw Alli into the mix for the last 32 minutes.
It was Alli’s cross into the box that was scuffed by Salomon Rondon and then scuffed into the back of the net by Richarlison.
It was by no means a pretty goal – but it counts for the same as a spectacular bicycle kick or a volley from long range.
We’re hoping that Alli can build on that impressive half-an-hour against Leicester.
He’s still not fit yet but once he is, he should be starting games if he can have the impact he had versus Leicester.
In other Everton news, this “outstanding” striker has admitted he’s open to a loan exit as he looks for crunch talks with his agent.
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