Pundit slams ‘lost’ Tottenham star, but Nuno not spared brutal tactical verdict
Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli looks “lost” in Tottenham’s team amid an unclear plan from Nuno Espirito Santo, one pundit has claimed.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed something of a rollercoaster journey at Spurs. While he starred under Mauricio Pochettino, he did not enjoy the best working relationship with Jose Mourinho.
Latest boss Nuno has reintegrated Alli into his team and he has played all but 45 minutes of the Premier League season.
Meanwhile, he scored a penalty as captain in a 60-minute display against NS Mura on Thursday.
Overall, he has two goals and one assist in 10 games this term. According to pundit Alan Hutton, though, Alli’s role in Nuno’s team remains unclear.
“A new manager coming in, he was really working hard in the off-season. I thought this is his time to shine,” Hutton told Football Insider.
“Obviously, Nuno’s tried him in that number eight position, if you want, using his athleticism to get up and down the pitch.
“It just looks at the moment he’s not too sure where he fits into that team.”
Former Tottenham man Ledley King has insisted that Nuno should be playing All in the number 10 role.
“We know he has great energy, an eye for goal. That’s his strength,” the former defender said to Sky Sports.
According to Hutton, Nuno needs to make clear Alli’s role in his plans to get the best out of the 37-time England international.
Alli needs clear Tottenham role
“Does Nuno want him to go and attack? To get in the box like that year he scored all the goals? Is he a midfielder? We’re not really sure where he fits into this plan,” the pundit added of a player who came off at half-time during the recent 3-1 loss to Arsenal.
“I think that showed within the midfield performance of the three [against Arsenal]. They were all over the place.
“It’s been tough for him. We know he’s a fantastic player but it’s just about trying to find that right position for him and getting the best out of him.”
Tottenham themselves halted a poor run of form by thrashing NS Mura in the Europa Conference League.
They face Aston Villa on Sunday following three successive Premier League defeats, conceding nine in the process.
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