Ian Wright has told the Premier League’s Matchday Extra that he was delighted to see the endeavour and commitment of Everton star Dele Alli in his assist for Richarlison – a late equaliser against Leicester on Wednesday.
Dele, 26, joined Everton on a permanent basis from Tottenham in January. It comes after the England star’s form has plummeted, after being considered a £100million player under Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs.
He has started just one of his seven Everton appearances, remaining an unused substitute in four Premier League games before coming on with a third of the game left to play against Leicester. It proved crucial.
With the game into injury time and Harvey Barnes’ early opener looking to be the difference, Richarlison had missed a couple of sitters. A long ball down Everton’s left saw Dele come up against two Leicester defenders.
But the ex-Spurs man showed determination to get ahead of Timothy Castagne, chasing a lost cause to beat Jonny Evans to the ball and his cross found Richarlison who scored. Wright hopes it is a springboard for Dele.
“What was really pleasing about that, was to see someone like Dele Alli chasing that down. Chasing that down into the corner, it is the kind of commitment you need at that point in the season,” Wright said.
“If he doesn’t do that, then you don’t get that chance and then you don’t get that bit of luck. You hope that is a bit of a catalyst for someone like Dele, because Frank needs every ounce out of his players right now.”
Wright on Dele: Everton star should start Liverpool on Sunday afternoon
When you are down, near the relegation zone, fighting for your life, you need players to chase lost causes. You need bitter determination, sheer work rate, twinned with quality. Dele showed, with his assist, he has both.
Against Liverpool, Everton will have to fight. They will have to work hard for the entire match, off the ball. When on the ball, they still need the quality to take advantage of any potential chance they get. Dele must start.
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