Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder, Dele Alli has no guarantee of playing regularly under coach Antonio Conte just like he didn’t have under coach Jose Mourinho and coach Nuno Espírito Santo.
Recall that during the reign of Jose Mourinho at Tottenham Hotspur between 2019 and 2021, Dele Alli lost his place in the club’s starting eleven due to a poor run of form. He also lost his place in England national team.
When Mourinho was sacked towards the end of last season, and Ryan Mason was appointed as the club’s caretaker coach, Mason gave Alli the benefit of the doubt by playing him more regularly.
However, the luxury of playing regularly at Tottenham Hotspur did not last for too long before the arrival of coach Nuno ahead of the 2021-2022 season.
Under coach Nuno, Dele Alli continued to struggle for game time. In a couple of times the 25-year-old English attacking midfielder played for the club this season, he had to start from the bench.
Now, the out-of-favor England international is under a new manager, Antonio Conte. The Italian tactician is known to be a no-nonsense person who only uses players that are committed to his game plan.
Later today, November 7, Conte will lead Tottenham Hotspur to play his first Premier League game in charge of the club. Ahead of the match which will kick off at 15:00 at Goodison Park, Conte was made to comment on Dele Alli’s plight at Spurs.
Conte who coached Chelsea between 2016 and 2018, recalled a match Chelsea played against Tottenham Hotspur during the 2016-2017 season. In the game, Dele Alli helped Spurs to score two goals against Conte’s Chelsea.
The Italian coach noted that the game showed the great potential Dele has and stressed that the 25-year-old English midfielder would play in his first eleven if the player deserves it.
Conte said: “I remember very well when we played against Tottenham in the past, specifically one game when we lost after 13 wins in a row and Dele scored twice.
“But this is the past. Now there is a present and for sure Dele is a player that has great potential. Physically he is strong and very good.
“For sure I give him the possibility to show he has talent. At the same time, when I pick the starting XI I do it because I think they can bring the team to win, the same when I make changes during the game.
“I am open, I am open for every single player in Tottenham. The most important thing is they show me they deserve the chance to play.
“The door is open for every single player. My first thought is to try and give them the best situation to show their talent, but then they need to show me I must be sure to give them a chance and repay. For all players, every single player.
“For now we are starting from zero, there is a new coach. I tell every single player, not specifically Dele, ‘show me you deserve to play from the start and I will give you the chance to start.”
Antonio Conte has been putting the lads through their paces ahead of tomorrow’s game against Everton! 🏃♂️
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 6, 2021
🛵 @Getir_UK pic.twitter.com/JggkL54uE6
Dele Alli has been playing for Tottenham Hotspur since the 2014-2015 season. Since then, he has made 263 appearances in all competitions. The 25-year-old English attacking midfielder has a total number of 67 goals and provided 61 assists for Spurs.
So far this season, the England international has made 12 appearances in all competitions scoring 2 goals and providing an assist.
Dele has less than three seasons left on his contract with Tottenham Hotspur. His stay at the club will expire on June 30, 2024.
😏 Dele Alli with the perfect #MondayMotivation! 🔥@dele_official | @SpursOfficial | #UEL pic.twitter.com/HaYYXyEIvG
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 1, 2021
