Frank Lampard has responded when asked about criticism from Ally McCoist and Glenn Hoddle of new Everton signing Dele Alli. McCoist criticised the car he arrived in at Everton – and Hoddle of Dele’s clothing.
Indeed, 25-year-old Dele arrived at Everton, driving a Bentley into the training ground at Finch Farm. He received further criticism from Hoddle, when paraded around ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup win over Brentford.
Dele has completed a permanent move to Everton from Tottenham, after the 37-time England man fell down the pecking order over the last couple of seasons. He will be keen to reignite the form of Mauricio Pochettino’s era.
Lampard was asked about Dele – and whether the car he was driving or his choice of clothing was acceptable following his move to Everton. He said it does not bother him, as long as Dele can produce on the pitch for Everton.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Glenn Hoddle, Ally McCoist. I would never go against their word. I work closely with Dele, I don’t care what clothes he wears, what car he drives, as long as he works hard in training every day.
“He wants to improve every day, respects the club and his teammates and produces. The modern day has moved on. Everyone has a right to their opinion, but it doesn’t bother me as long as produces,” Lampard said.
Lampard on Dele criticism: Everton boss hits the nail on the head
The criticism from McCoist, Hoddle and TalkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil has been as somewhat bizarre by the footballing world. As Lampard says, footballers have moved on and every player has their own personality.
If Dele begins to recreate the form he showed at Tottenham soon after his move from MK Dons – the form that made him an England regular – then does it really matter what car he drives, or what clothes he wears?
Dele is a well-liked player, not just at Everton or Tottenham, but on a nation-wide scale. If he is to recreate his early Spurs form, then he should be judged on his performances – not his non-footballing choices.
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