Dele Alli developments continue as Everton player speaks out on controversy
Dele Alli has been described as a lost figure by an unnamed Everton teammate in an explosive Daily Mail article by Ian Ladyman.
Alli’s career freefall is underlined in great detail in the piece which highlights the extent of the troubles off the pitch for the 27-year-old.
Ladyman details how the player was once one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s biggest regrets, that Manchester United did not land him at Old Trafford. Not anymore.
Several anecdotes are provided on his background and persona, including tales from Tottenham, Everton and most recently, Turkey. Ghosts of the past that haunt Alli to the present day.
“On Merseyside, a team-mate described him privately as a nice lad who looks totally lost,” Ladyman said.
“It’s weird but he doesn’t always seem with it, almost a bit dozy,” was another recollection from the same source.
Crossroads.
This story is a shame, but it is one that has been told several times before. Footballers are human and many of them come from difficult upbringings, rags to riches tales.
Unfortunately, when the financial rewards come too soon and without the wisdom of experience and learning, the pitfalls grow deeper.
In the case of the 37-cap England international, he has refused to recognise his mistakes and is repeating them. He is seemingly reluctant to accept criticism or guidance beyond his close circle.
Negative influences within his group only make the situation worse.
It is really difficult to see a way back for Alli as a top-level footballer given how he has failed at Everton and Besiktas.
Does he even want to be a footballer? There need to be signs of hunger and a desire for his career otherwise he will likely meander from one outpost to another, picking up a wage along the way.
In other Everton news, this forward is expected to quit this club with a Toffees move on the cards.