The Tottenham Hotspur youngster has been accused of diving regularly throughout the season so far.
Spurs ace Harry Kane spoke to reporters after his side’s hard-fought 1-0 win away at Crystal Palace yesterday, and explained why Dele Alli’s repuation for diving can sometimes make it hard for the youngster to be judged fairly by officials, as quoted by Sky Sports.
Dele, 21, has earned the unwanted reputation for going to ground too easily when challenged by his opponents, and it could be argued that said reputation sometimes proceeds his quality.
The England international has made headlines for the wrong reasons this season on more than one occasion, and has struggled to emulate last term’s superb numbers.
He still remains a key part of Mauricio Pochettino’s side, however, but the manner in which he is targeted by opposition players, opposing fans and sometimes judged by referees must be a concern for the Lilywhites, considering the fact that he is still so young.
Kane spoke up for his teammate yesterday, telling reporters why referees must be strong enough to take each situation involving Dele on face value, as quoted by Sky Sports:
“Sometimes you do get a reputation but then that’s when we’ve got to trust the refs. They can’t let that affect them, and I don’t think they do. When you get a reputation and when it’s happened a couple of times, the fans get on your back but the ref’s there to make a call on the day and you’ve just got to go with what he says.”
Spurs are still competing on three fronts, and Dele will surely have an important role to play over the remainder of his side’s campaign.
And Kane is spot on. If the 21-year-old is to truly flourish, he must be judged from an open slate, and not by his past indiscretions.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
