Dele Alli scored for Tottenham Hotspur yesterday, as Mauricio Pochettino’s side picked up a point.
Alli is fighting to find his best form again at Spurs, after what has been a difficult two years at Hotspur Way.
Alli actually scored Tottenham’s goal against Everton yesterday, as they picked up a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.
But Pardew feels that Alli should be playing in central midfield more often than in his advanced role at Spurs.
“For me Dele Alli when he burst on the scene he became a second striker to Harry Kane, doing all the running in the channels, all the work-rate, getting on the back of the midfield player and pitching in with goals but I don’t think that’s his position,” Pardew said.
“I think he’s a midfield player, I think he’s a number eight, he needs to come back in the midfield.
“Unfortunately I don’t think he’s had a run yet to see if he can do that job. It’s just a natural progression of his game. Defensively he’s sound, he has a great character, he’s got a bit of toughness, attitude and quality. I don’t think he’s good enough at Spurs to do that role when he has the pressure of other players like Eriksen.”
Alli has played in a deeper role at Spurs on occasion, but his best form has come when he has been given more attacking licence, so Pardew’s comments are rather surprising.
Alli once scored 18 goals in a Premier League season, and the hope is that he can reach those sort of figures again.
If the England international can rediscover his top form then it would be a major boost to Spurs, as they look to snap out of their slump.
Tottenham are currently sat in 11th place in the Premier League table, with their next match coming against Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League in midweek.
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