Robinson makes ‘unfortunate’ Dele Alli claim after what Everton journalist spotted in pre-season
Paul Robinson has backed Dele Alli to prove his worth for Everton next season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Spurs and England goalkeeper said the 26-year-old was “unfortunate last year” and will excel in a Toffees side not threatened by relegation.
Alli struggled to make an impact at Goodison Park after joining from Spurs in January of this year.
On Sunday (24 July), the attacking midfielder scored a brace against Blackpool in a 4-2 pre-season win for Frank Lampard’s side.
As spotted by the Liverpool Echo’s Joe Thomas (24 July), Alli was congratulated by every single outfield player after his first goal.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on the ex-Tottenham star going into the new season, Robinson said: “Alli was unfortunate last year.
“The Everton team were really struggling when he went there.
“Dele is the type of player a manager won’t play when the team is backs against the wall. When you are in a relegation battle, trying to stay in the Premier League, you put a defensive side out there.
“Dele is seen as a luxury player. He is a quality player going forward. He is not the type of player for a relegation battle.
“I think we will see the best of him this year because I don’t envisage Everton being in a relegation battle this year. The better Everton are, the better Dele Alli will be.
“He doesn’t want to be throwing his body on the line in his own box. That isn’t Dele’s game.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has claimed Everton forced into a ‘substantial payment’ to clean up someone else’s mess.