Everton news: ‘Something ridiculous has happened to Dele Alli’ amid fan ‘frenzy’ – ex-manager
Alex McLeish has urged Everton fans to back Dele Alli after a “frenzy” of criticism against Newcastle United.
The former Rangers manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed “something ridiculous” has happened to the 25-year-old in the last five years.
Alli came off the bench against Newcastle to make his Everton debut on Tuesday evening (8 February).
However, he was unable to prevent the Toffees from slipping to a 3-1 defeat at St James’ Park.
McLeish admitted the January signing needs to “run his backside” off to silence the doubters at Goodison.
However, he suggested the supporters also need to give Alli some support from the stands.
Discussing the criticism towards Alli, McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think there was a bit of a frenzy in terms of his performance when he came on (v Newcastle).
“The fans don’t wait a second if they don’t think that you’re doing it. The one thing Dele has to do, the least he can do, is he’s got to run his backside off every minute he’s on the pitch.
“But you have to back the guy, he’s an Everton player. That’s it, full stop. He has to be supported but equally, you know what football’s like, especially at that level.
“It seems that something really ridiculous has happened to Dele Alli in the last five years. Before that, we saw a potential world-class player.”
Alli played 65 minutes against Newcastle after replacing Demarai Gray.
He could make his home debut against Leeds United on Saturday.
In other news, Everton could be without senior player for longer than they are letting on, claims injury expert.