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Dele Alli

I think Alli was ok to good last season. Nothing more, he certainly wasn’t bad. If we’re being truly honest, can we say he’s a better player than he was two seasons ago? Is he a better passer? Finisher? More intelligent? Better at decision making?

In his defense, we didn’t play to his strengths last season. I think ultimately he needs to improve his decision making. That doesn’t mean completely curb his style of play and stifle him but learning when there is a time and a place to keep a simple and play the simple pass and play it early. Learning when to attempt step overs for example.

Yes. I can say unequivocally he is a better player than two seasons ago because he can now comfortably play a whole other position. Plus he has matured considerably. You’ll be back on the band-waggon by Xmas!
 
Seriously?

Now, I don't mean to call you as a dedicated fan nor your reply out specifically, not even this thread, but you are a mod, and I for one find the tone in such posts where you "laugh" at us ill-informed peasants, a bit detrimental to a good light-hearted discussion, which is what a good forum should be all about - at least in my view.

So let's all just hug and be friends, ok? :)

I see.

First off my friend, just own it. You are looking to call me out. No problemo, but how about owning it?! ;-)

Secondly, the ol’ “mod trap”. I see. You took my post as personally directed towards you. Not the case, sorry about that. It was a general comment at some of the (in my opinion) ludicrous criticisms Dele has received.

As for your comment about my “laughing” being “detrimental to a good light-hearted discussion” I can only say I am still laughing at the criticism which (last time I looked) was fine, especially when I have seen some suggest Dybala (and even at the expense of Dele - not necessarily here BTW). Remember, it isn’t personal, it is general. I think much of the criticism he has received is laughable!

As far as my “mod” responsibilities go, honestly, if you think my behaviour is ruining the experience here mate, complain. I am not being snarky here, just honest. I feel that for the most part I look to engage in friendly discussions and am quick to hold my hand up
when wrong. In my opinion, laughing at shallow criticisms of Dele is not quite enough to upset the balance and mood of this forum. But if you disagree, absolutely complain about it to another mod and (you never know) I might be “un-modded” (bear in mind, an “un-modded” me might be much much worse (arrrgggghhh! - I am joking here mate)...

Finally, you said you have no issue so long as people back up their opinions. I admit that on recent posts I have not done that. My reason is that I have engaged in plenty of explanation for my beliefs re: the player for months and months. At a certain point, human nature suggests one cannot be bothered. I will make sure to do so next time.

Hugs? Wonderful. Raised by hippies as I was, always ready. Friends? Always! We all support the mighty Spurs!

Cheers mate,
Steff
 
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Yes. I can say unequivocally he is a better player than two seasons ago because he can now comfortably play a whole other position. Plus he has matured considerably. You’ll be back on the band-waggon by Xmas!

Don't think he looks comfortable in centre midfield at all. He can plug a gap but there hasn't been a single game in there where he's been the best midfielder on the pitch in that position.
 
https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2019/august/dele-im-as-hungry-as-ever/

Believe it or not, Dele Alli is preparing for his fifth season at Spurs. Where does the time go?

It’s now four years since the young, attacking midfielder, then 19, announced himself to fans by nutmegging Luka Modric in the Audi Cup. Within days, he made his debut at Old Trafford, then two weeks later, his first goal, off the bench at Leicester.

His first start came at Sunderland in September, 2015 - coincidentally, Heung-Min Son’s debut - and he was off and running. Four years and four seasons later, he’s already past 50 goals (53) in his 184 matches for us, has twice been named PFA Young Player of the Year (2016, 2017) and is an England regular with 37 caps and appearances in two major tournaments, Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup. He scored in the quarter-final against Sweden as the Three Lions reached the semi-finals in Russia.

In summary, Dele’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular – that nutmeg in Munich doesn’t seem two minutes ago, let alone four years.

Had he changed in that time? “As a person, I haven’t changed,” said Dele, back at Hotspur Way after helping us lift the 2019 Audi Cup, back at the Allianz Arena. “I’ve always been the same. I think I’m a more established player now, people know who I am a lot more but as a person, I’m as hungry as I always was when I first came here. I still want to achieve a lot more and that won’t stop.

“Every year I’ve learned so much with the players I’m playing with and the coaching staff. I feel like I’m in a great place to continue learning. I’m still young and excited to keep learning and improving as a player. It would be nice to get a few more goals and assists this season but that’s not what my whole game is based on.”

It was pointed out to Dele that to the wider audience, that’s exactly what his game is based on.

“Yes, obviously because of my first two seasons and the amount of goals and assists I managed to get (32 goals in 96 games), people expect that to be my game but as a midfielder, I don’t think that’s just what it’s all about,” he responded.

“We have defensive work as well, making space for other players and getting goals and assists as well. That’s what I judge my game on.”

Did he think he was a more rounded player than in 2015? “Yes, definitely. I do more for the team defensively. Maybe not getting as many goals and assists, but that’s not important to me. I make sure I help the team and try to keep my place in the starting 11. I’m learning every year as a player and I feel more complete.”

Four seasons already! “It’s gone so quickly.” So how did he feel ahead of 2019/20? “I feel excited," he smiled. "We’re expecting big things. Every year we’ve shown improvement as a team, so yes, excited.”

What were his targets for 2019/20? “Just to be successful as a team. We’ve had years where we’ve been so close and now it’s time to get over the line and start winning things.” And personally? “It’s a team game, so winning as a team is the main thing for me. To get some goals and assists would be nice but the main thing is to win things as a team. That’s all that matters.”
 
Don't think he looks comfortable in centre midfield at all. He can plug a gap but there hasn't been a single game in there where he's been the best midfielder on the pitch in that position.

Undoubtably he is best in behind and around Kane. Which is where I expect to see him this season. But he was very helpful playing deep and allowed both club and country to go nearly all the way.
 
Dele doesn't get selected because he is a good CM he gets selected because he can do a job there and might still end up on the end of a ball and score a goal. Without the added goal threat he possesses you would not pick him as a pure CM, he is mediocre in the role, you would not buy him from another club to play that role either. He has his strengths and some fairly glaring weaknesses. I hope this season is one where learns to dallying on the ball so long, it's incredibly frustrating watching hold to it for too long only to get robbed of it.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6003 using Fapatalk
 
So I see Dele is now out with a hamstring injury. Now when you add that to the Foyth injury it concerns me that with just a few days to go we have signed just one player to our first team squad
 
So I see Dele is now out with a hamstring injury. Now when you add that to the Foyth injury it concerns me that with just a few days to go we have signed just one player to our first team squad

Don't get me started, this has been me trying to keep all my worries lock up, have to wait and see what comes in the final week of the transfer window but yeah, slight gaps seem to now be gaping holes as far as I can see it. It's a shame it's only us that get injured or tired players, to the untrained eye it would just look like the squad needs freshening up.
 
Don't get me started, this has been me trying to keep all my worries lock up, have to wait and see what comes in the final week of the transfer window but yeah, slight gaps seem to now be gaping holes as far as I can see it. It's a shame it's only us that get injured or tired players, to the untrained eye it would just look like the squad needs freshening up.

So far it is one player added to our first team squad in 18 months, yet I distinctly remember both Daniel Levy and Donna Cullen informing us that the stadium build will not affect incomings.

Let's hope that Danny Boy has something up his sleeve because I am worried.
 
So far it is one player added to our first team squad in 18 months, yet I distinctly remember both Daniel Levy and Donna Cullen informing us that the stadium build will not affect incomings.

Let's hope that Danny Boy has something up his sleeve because I am worried.
And arguably 4 to 5 out of the squad in the same period.
 
So far it is one player added to our first team squad in 18 months, yet I distinctly remember both Daniel Levy and Donna Cullen informing us that the stadium build will not affect incomings.

Let's hope that Danny Boy has something up his sleeve because I am worried.

I'm pretty sure we'll add at least another 2 (Sessegnon and either GLC or Fernandes) by Thursday. In an ideal world, either a RB or back-up CF would arrive too, but I dont think we're in a bad positoin with those two signings. Would be crossing our fingers a bit on Kane and Son staying injury free, and one of our RB options stepping up, but we'll be better positioned than the last couple seasons
 
I'm pretty sure we'll add at least another 2 (Sessegnon and either GLC or Fernandes) by Thursday. In an ideal world, either a RB or back-up CF would arrive too, but I dont think we're in a bad positoin with those two signings. Would be crossing our fingers a bit on Kane and Son staying injury free, and one of our RB options stepping up, but we'll be better positioned than the last couple seasons

18 months ago I would have been confident of more signings in the final few days of a window however after 2 barren transfer windows I am not as confident as I otherwise would have been. I hope you are right though.
 
Would be crossing our fingers a bit on Kane and Son staying injury free, and one of our RB options stepping up, but we'll be better positioned than the last couple seasons

If we are unable to start the season capable of competing with Liverpool and Emirates Marketing Project it would not surprise me if Kane is the next one of the rank talking of wanting a new challenge
 
Don't think he looks comfortable in centre midfield at all. He can plug a gap but there hasn't been a single game in there where he's been the best midfielder on the pitch in that position.

I think he is pretty average there too and he wasn’t great last season because of it. I really hope it isn’t a long term plan to keep him there.

He’s my favourite player pound for pound because of his ingenuity, technique and gracefulness. Was like Bergkamp that one season he scored all those goals. Whether watching England or Spurs I always want to see him play, perks up friendlies and Internationals. A real Tottenham player.
 
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