Everton midfielder Dele Alli stars in pre-season game despite exit rumours
Everton midfielder Dele Alli starred in a pre-season victory against Blackpool, despite rumours linking him to a move away from Goodison Park.
The former England international has had a torrid time ever since moving to the club from Tottenham in January 2022, failing to score in any game last season.
However, he has started to put his horror start to life in Everton behind him with an impressive performance against Blackpool on 24 July where he scored a brace.
Fresh start for Alli?
The brace against Blackpool may give Alli the injection of confidence he needs to get his career back on track, as he has looked half the player he was a couple of years ago.
Alli was once a marauding attacking midfielder, excellent at finding pockets of space, attacking dangerous areas, and scoring goals from different positions.
He was once of the most sought-after midfielders in the world when he was breaking onto the scene at Tottenham, and the sky was the limit for the former MK Dons player.
The move to Everton has been anything but a success so far, with Alli not only failing to score but often failing to even get off the bench last season.
However, this game saw shades of the old Alli, the player that the Toffees spent a reported £40m for in January. [Sky Sports]
The former Spurs midfielder, was confident in possession, eager to get onto the ball, and was getting into the dangerous offensive positions that once made him a danger.
His two goals came from him making confident runs, and being in the right place at the right time to capitalise on crosses, especially his second goal, a smart finish under pressure.
Yes, this was against Championship opposition, but if Alli can use this brace to build on, pick up some form and get back to his best, it will be good news for the club.
In other Everton news, the club have made a fresh approach to sign Maxwel Cornet.