Pundit can’t believe ‘staggering’ Dele Alli development after Tottenham coach reveal
Noel Whelan has admitted he is baffled by Dele Alli’s regression into a “bang average” player at Tottenham.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker insisted the 25-year-old’s fall from grace has been “staggering”.
Speaking to Sky Sports (22nd October) Tottenham coach Ledley King revealed Alli would put his struggles under Jose Mourinho down to “himself and his application”.
However, King insisted the attacking midfielder worked hard in training over the summer to get prepared for the new campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Alli has struggled for form this term, with two goals and an assist from 11 appearances.
Whelan admitted the England international is caused Spurs a “real problem”.
However, he did not have a solution for how Nuno can get more out of him.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I can’t put my finger on why he’s gone from a world-class player to a bang average player very, very quickly.
“He’s not putting the performances that we know he can. It’s staggering to get my head round. He’s on a hell of a lot of money at Tottenham.
“That’s a real problem and dilemma that he’s got himself but the club have as well. What to do with Alli?
“That’s the big headline: What do you do with Dele Alli? What do you do with him?
“He’s obviously had an arm around the shoulder, he’s obviously had criticism thrown at him. What’s the issue? How do you get the best out of Dele Alli and bring him back to what he used to be?
“Nuno’s trying right now but no one’s getting it. He’s playing alongside good players.”
In other news, pundit admits he “feels sorry” for one Tottenham player let down badly this week.