Graeme Souness told Sky Sports that the career of Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli ‘starts now’.
The 25-year-old’s career has stagnated during these past few years and Souness suggested that the Englishman has to ‘question himself’.
Alli, who has played 252 games for Spurs (transfermarkt), started his side’s 1-0 win against Manchester City on Sunday and he played a disciplined role in the middle of the park.
Souness shared that Alli needs to bring back some ‘anger’ to his game and pointed out that he is someone who isn’t even in his prime yet.
“He should be looking at it ‘my career starts now’,” said Souness. “I know I am capable, but for whatever reason for the last three or fours years, I have not been at it.
“He has to question himself. I am not buying when teammates say he is looking in great shape. You said on social media, he looks great. That doesn’t sound for one bit. It’s what goes on inside his head. Am I bang up for it?
“A daft thing and people will shoot himself with this. All of a sudden, he was an angry man when he got into the team. I saw him square up to people. I thought that’s going to stand you in good stead. He was up for the cut. If someone wanted to kick him, he said ‘come on then’.
“Then all of a sudden, the minute someone brushes against him, he goes down as if he has been poleaxed. He has got to get out of his game, be aggressive, attacking and working-hard player. He’s not even in his prime yet.”
Alli played a different role for Nuno Espirito Santo at the weekend, as he showcased great defensive positional play and stopped Man City from playing through the middle.
But during games when Spurs dominate possession, it will be interesting if Nuno and Alli himself can bring out the fresh-faced youngster that would make those late attacking runs and showcase his naturally outstanding technical skills in the penalty area.
It has to work for Alli under Nuno else he might not have a future in North London by the time the season is up.
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