Dele Alli ‘problem’ rubbished at Everton after new Goodison Park injury update
Joe Thomas has rubbished suggestions that Dele Alli’s situation is a “problem” and a “distraction” for Everton.
The attacking midfielder has reportedly suffered a new setback in his recovery, as he continues to work to earn a new contract at Goodison Park after his previous deal expired last season [Joe Thomas, 3 October].
While some have suggested the constant chatter around the England international’s situation could be a distraction for Sean Dyche and his team, Liverpool Echo journalist Thomas insists Dele is a popular figure on Merseyside.
Speaking on the Royal Blue YouTube channel (4 October, 22:35) he said: “I don’t really see how it’s a distraction for the players or for the club.
“I think in fairness, and you could argue that I or we play a role in this, it might be a distraction for the fanbase because the press are asking questions about it and reporting the answers.
“But I don’t think the players and everyone else is necessarily focused on that. If he’s an asset on the training ground or has the potential to be an asset on the training ground and he’s not a problem and he gets on with the players there, then I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing.
“It might be a distraction to us, but at the end of the day, we’re the ones asking questions about him because we’re all interested in it.
“I don’t think that seeps through as a problem in real life for the players and the team.”
What has happened to Dele Alli at Everton and Goodison Park?
While it is easy to assume that the uncertainty around Dele’s situation on Merseyside would be a problem for Dyche and his team, realistically, it is a much bigger issue for fans than it is for the club.
The Toffees are supporting the attacking midfielder through his recovery, but that is it at this moment in time. They haven’t committed to offering the former Spurs man a new deal and the ball is completely in their court.
If Dele proves his fitness, there is a contract decision to be made. If he doesn’t, he will likely walk away from Goodison.
It really is that simple at this moment in time and that will not come as a distraction to the Blues, particularly with Premier League matches coming thick and fast.
Hopefully, a final decision will be made on the attacking midfielder’s future sooner rather than later once he recovers from this latest injury setback. It may not be a distraction for the club, but certainly is one for fans.
In other Everton news, the Toffees could reignite their interest in one Newcastle man during the January transfer window
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.