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Rio Ferdinand spots problem with Tottenham Hotspur’s Dele Alli

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli has been in poor form over recent weeks.

Rio Ferdinand of BT Sport looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 27, 2017 in London, England.

Rio Ferdinand has told BT Sport, during their coverage of Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League match against Ajax, that Mauricio Pochettino needs to play Dele Alli in a different position.

Alli has struggled in recent weeks, with his performances well below the standard required.

The England international was miles off the pace last night, as Tottenham lost 1-0 to Ajax in the Champions League.

But Ferdinand feels that Pochettino is partly to blame for Alli’s poor form.

Alli has been stationed as a deep lying midfielder recently, rather than in his more familiar position, which is far more advanced.

And Ferdinand said: “For the last two games you’ve got to play Alli off the striker. He doesn’t look the same player in midfield. His best asset is running on to things, getting into the box. He’s great at that.

“When you drop him into midfield the dynamics and pictures change.”

Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur gives intructions to Dele Alli during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Ajax at at the...

Tottenham never really got going against Ajax, with Alli one of their worst performers.

Spurs fell behind early on when Donny van de Beek found the back of the net, and they couldn’t recover.

Pochettino’s men are still in the tie ahead of the second leg though, which takes place in Holland next week.

Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Ajax at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 30, 2019...