England captain Harry Kane details hope for ‘brave’ Everton midfielder Dele Alli
Bayern Munich and England star Harry Kane has detailed his hope for Dele Alli’s Everton career after his “eye-opening” interview changed perceptions of his situation at the club.
Kane was named by Alli in his must-hear interview with Gary Neville [The Overlap, 13 July] as one of his “real friends” who were “brutally honest” with him, as the former Tottenham man opened up on a series on personal struggles.
England captain Kane has now revealed that Dele seems to be on a good track, and is working hard to get fit so that he can start playing football again in an attempt to revive his career at Goodison Park.
Speaking at a news conference, in quotes reported by the Evening Standard (8 September), Kane said: “I think it was extremely brave of Dele to come out and give the interview he gave, we have known each other for a period of time but I didn’t know the extent of what he had been through in his life for sure.
“It was eye-opening for me to hear that. I texted him after and said how much I think what he did will help a lot of other people share their feelings as well.”
Discussing Dele’s future prospects, the former Spurs man said: “I caught up with Dele in the summer, before the interview, and he seems to be on a good track, been working hard to get fit and so I can’t wait to hopefully see him back out and playing football again.
“I think he is in a better place now and he has a lot of time left in his career and I really hope he can get back on track and play week in and week out.”
Back on track and aiming to play
At one time it looked as if Dele’s Goodison Park career was over, with an unsuccessful spell in Turkey with Besiktas looking like it had put the final nail in the coffin, but his revealing interview displayed that there was plenty going on behind the scenes.
The new awareness of his situation turned frustration into understanding, with more lenience now afforded the former England international, and he is set to receive a chance to revive his career once he gets back to full fitness.
Kane’s comments are good news for Everton, as a fit and firing Dele will provide a huge boost to the club both in terms of the quality on the pitch and what he can offer to the squad. He may even be the ideal second striker to either Beto or Dominic Calvert-Lewin as Sean Dyche looks to improve his side’s attacking output.
Hearing that his training and fitness are going well is great news, and it will be hoped that he can get back to his best and start performing for the fans at Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, a La Liga club are in the hunt to sign a player whom Everton have said goodbye to.