Dele Alli sported a new hair style in Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat against Leeds United this afternoon, but it was more of the same from the struggling Spurs star.
And the 25-year-old didn’t exactly justify Ryan Mason’s decision to start him at Elland Road.
Alli impressed in the demolition of Sheffield United last week, with the caretaker Tottenham manager saying in his pre-match conference before Leeds that it was his training-ground form which earned him a spot in the starting lineup.
But it was a very difficult afternoon for the former MK Dons star, who was subbed off on 67 minutes for Erik Lamela.
Yes, Alli bagged an assist for Son Heung-min equaliser in the first half, but in terms of general performance he continues to look a far different player to the one who emerged under Mauricio Pochettino.
And Matthew Upson, speaking to Optus Sport, has claimed that the England international has been on a ‘downhill slide’ for as many as three seasons.
He said: “It’s been a downhill slide of form for probably the past two or three seasons. It’s been happening for some time. He’s going to be a little bit rusty, not as sharp as he what would be. It’s going to take a few games if he’s able to get those games before you see the best of him.”
If we’re honest, Upson is spot-on.
Even toward the end of Pochettino’s reign in 2019, Alli was struggling in a major way.
He had a new hair style on show, but it’s the same problem for the Tottenham midfielder and time will tell whether he can ever get back to his glittering best.
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