Home » “It’s not something that’s new” – Dele Alli opens up about playing the No. 8 role under Nuno Espírito Santo

“It’s not something that’s new” – Dele Alli opens up about playing the No. 8 role under Nuno Espírito Santo

By Eddie Razo -

Dele Alli is seeing a resurgence in his career under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo. In Tottenham Hotspur’s recent EFL Cup fixture, the 25-year-old had 43 touches while registering three key passes and winning six of 12 duels. 

The midfielder spoke about his new role in Nuno’s system, which sees him play the No. 8 role for the north London-based club. Spurs Web relayed the comments made by Alli over his position. 

Under former manager Mauricio Pochettino, Alli played that attacking midfielder role or often being that second striker behind Harry Kane. Nonetheless, Alli shifting to this new role isn’t foreign for him. 

“Number eight is a position I enjoy playing. It’s not something that’s new to me, though,” Alli said. “When I signed here, I had never played in the number 10 role. So, for me, it is quite natural to play there, and I enjoy being there.”

“I think when you’re with a team like Tottenham, you’re happy to be anywhere on the pitch, so wherever I play, I will do my best, and hopefully that’s enough.”

Alli also stated what Nuno has brought to the squad since he’s one of the players to benefit from his arrival, which is why he applauded what the Portuguese tactician has done so far. Following the departure of Pochettino, the 25-year-old saw his form nose dive to the floor under former manager José Mourinho. 

“He’s done a brilliant job. We all came into training for pre-season not knowing exactly what to expect with a new manager coming in,” Alli said.

“Normally, when a new manager arrives, it’s exciting, but it’s usually off the back of a bad run of form or the team not doing well. It gives the team a boost, and it’s a new way of thinking, of looking at the game, different tactics.”

Tags Dele Alli NewsNow Nuno Espirito Santo
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del boy
del boy
2 years ago

who is kidding whom?
his autobiography is out soon entitled “dele’s the name –B.S is the game”

Last edited 2 years ago by del boy
Dino
Dino
2 years ago
Reply to  Spurious

Wasnt it Mourinho who wanted to sell Alli & Winks but El Levy said nope… another amazing decision, if true

Spurious
Spurious
2 years ago

Resurgence? Bloke’s a busted flush. No pace. Mediocre accuracy when passing. Constantly caught in posession and falls over himself or the ball. Always looking to foul and giving away free kicks. This guy is wasting a good attacking midfieder’s place. Flashy moments are not enough. I think he should be sold ASAP whilst he still has some perceived value.

Len
Len
2 years ago

He is either going to be a failure at playing in the midfield or be successful. He is an abject failure trying to be a winger, #10 or a striker. But keep reading the gossip column

Archibald&Crooks
Archibald&Crooks
2 years ago

Don’t get ahead of yourself Del
we will look to get a proper midfielder in Jan
and then you will be back on the bench

Lord Croker
Lord Croker
2 years ago

Dele Alli is seeing a resurgence in his career under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo.

Is he? If its resurgence then I’d like to see what a failure looks like.

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