Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli says he has curbed his disciplinary issues, but recent evidence suggests otherwise.
Tottenham’s Dele Alli in action with Liverpool’s Sadio Mane
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli spoke this week at how proud he is that he has been able to resist opposition attempts to wind him up this season.
The 20-year-old picked up a suspension last year for punching West Brom’s Claudio Yacob, and told FourFourTwo how he has since been targeted by opposition players trying to get a reaction.
He said: “I focus on the football, not getting wound up as easily. After that incident, I think some people thought they could wind me up.
“I’ve got everything under control. You expect things like that to happen, as people do everything to try to win the game. I’m not bothered either way.”
The England international showed last week against Gent in the Europa League that he still has work to do regarding his temperament.
He was sent off for a wild and reckless challenge, which came shortly after he was fouled. In short, he lost his head, and succumbed to a moment of madness.
12 months earlier he was lucky to escape serious punishment for a kick out at the same stage of the competition against Fiorentina.
Alli may feel he is making progress, but he is kidding himself if he feels he has cracked it.
He will continue to be tested, and the incident against Gent will only enhance the perception that he is a hothead who can be rattled, despite his wondrous talent.
Tottenham’s Dele Alli in action with Gent’s Anderson Esiti
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