Everton news: Agbonlahor issues ‘100%’ Dele Alli verdict after ‘surprise’ claim
Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Everton to get “the best” out of Dele Alli after a much-needed pre-season regime.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 25-year-old’s lack of minutes are a result of being “not up to speed” after a stop-start end to his Tottenham career.
According to the Mirror (29 March), figures at Everton were “surprised” by Alli’s lack of fitness when he joined the Merseysiders in January.
The former Tottenham man is yet to start for the Toffees and has played just 169 Premier League minutes under Frank Lampard.
As per Sky Sports (1 February), the midfielder could cost Everton up to £40million with the deal structured around performance-based add-ons.
Agbonlahor insisted Lampard “can’t afford” to bed Alli in with Everton locked in a relegation battle.
“It’s such a difficult situation for Lampard and Dele Alli,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I think Lampard will really like him as a player. But right now, if you’re the manager of Everton – you need wins and points on the board.
“You can’t afford to be bedding players in and trying players out. Lampard is going to play the team he feels has got the best chance of winning games.
“Alli hasn’t played a lot of football this season – he’s not up to speed. I think we’ll see the best from him after a good pre-season, 100% – provided Everton stay up.”
Alli, who had played 1042 minutes this term prior to his January move, is under contract at Goodison Park until June 2024.
Everton sit 17th in the Premier League, three points clear of the drop zone.
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