After seven years in north London, Tottenham Hotspur decided to say goodbye to midfielder Dele Alli. The 25-year-old joined Everton on deadline day to close out the January transfer window.
The two clubs agreed on a deal for Alli, which could increase to £40million, with the first £10-million payable after 20 appearances. The midfielder will look to jump-start his career at Goodison Park, and former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Frank Lampard could help him.
“I think Frank is going to get him back to his best,” Robinson told Football Insider. “Frank is of an age where he can relate to the players. He is so fresh out of the game; he relates to the modern-day player. A lot of managers are detached from the players but not Frank.”
“I think it is a really smart appointment. I think Frank will prove himself there, and his relationship with Dele could be a big part of that. It is a really clever signing, in my opinion.”
During his time at Tottenham, Alli’s best years came under former manager Mauricio Pochettino. Other managers like Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espírito Santo, and Antonio Conte did their best to help Alli rediscover his past form but were unsuccessful.
Now Alli hopes that a change of scenery will help Alli, and with the FIFA World Cup around the corner, the midfielder hopes that he can flourish with Lampard to catch Gareth Southgate’s attention and be part of the England national team later this year.
“The way the deal is structured, I don’t think Everton are overpaying. It’s a good deal for all parties involved,” Robinson said. “Everybody forgets that Dele Alli is still only 25. He has got another six or so years at the top of his game. I think Frank will nurture him.”