Tottenham midfielder’s form is a concern. So how do they fix it?
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli has not exactly hit the ground running since returning to action at the end of August.
He was given a chance once again against Colchester in midweek and blew it, struggling to make any sort of impact.
He has not scored a goal for Tottenham since January and considering how capable a scorer he usually is, his lack of output is proving a big loss to this Spurs side.
Here is a look at three ways Tottenham can try and get him back to his best…
Move him further forward
Talent is not the issue for Alli, he’s proved his quality. His struggles at present are partly down to a lack of confidence. Just one goal may change that.
That is why Spurs should look at playing him in an advanced role, off Harry Kane, to get closer to being in goalscoring situations. If Spurs are winning comfortably in a game, give him the final 15 minutes up front.
At the moment he looks a bit lost further back, and while this change of position may impact Christian Eriksen, Spurs should bear in mind the Dane’s expiring contract. Alli is a long term priority.
If Spurs can manipulate Alli to get closer to goal and get back on the scoresheet, everything might click for him.
Drop him
This is the opposite argument. Rather than asking Alli to play through his bad form, just take him out entirely.
Spurs have other midfielders who can fill the void, and Alli might be jolted by being dropped. What if one week he is left out of the matchday squad entirely?
For a player who earned so much so young, could the issue be one of motivation? Does he need to be challenged?
Manager Mauricio Pochettino can criticise him behind the scenes if he wants, but the wake up call may only come if he drops him, and forces Alli to work harder and come back stronger.
Play Dier in midfield with him
Eric Dier is Dele Alli’s best pal at Spurs and they linked up so effectively in the 2015/16 season. This was the last time Dier was a regular in the Tottenham midfield, with Victor Wanyama signed soon after.
Getting Dier into the midfield along with Alli could rekindle a connection and their understanding together might spark something.
This is difficult, because Spurs have so many other options, from Harry Winks to Moussa Dembele and Tanguy Ndombele, and it didn’t work against Colchester.
On another night it might have more success, and with Dier pushing for gametime himself, its an option which shouldn’t just be discarded.
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