Yes, I realise that. But running round aimlessly and doing donkey work while having zero positive influence on our attacking game isn't what I look for in a player that is supposed to be one of our main creative outlets. Hence, the only way I see Ndombele being effective is by taking Alli's place: stick Ndombele up there then bring in Dier (or similar) into centre midfield.
The whole Dele runs around a lot thing is just his supporters using the last fig leaf of legitimacy to try and defence what have become shockingly poor performances. If all you want is a player to cover the ground and do defensive work, we may as well sign up Mo Farah and put him up there, or play Wanyama off the striker.
From a player playing in Alli's position, I'd rather have assists, goals, link up play and through balls than headless chicken style industry. So the point I was making is you could move Ndombele into Alli's attacking role as he might actually influence the game when shorn of defensive responsibilities, then bring another central midfield in to add more steel into the centre of the pitch.
If Alli's last remaining attribute is running around and defending, then he - or any supposedly creative attacker - is going to find playing time very limited. Hasn't he been dropped recently? Actually, and correct my if I'm wrong, but when he was hauled off against Leipzig didn't we look a different proposition?
