Dele Alli leaves Tottenham for Everton as midfielder hopes to revive career under Frank Lampard

After joining Tottenham from MK Dons and being thrown right into a midfield pairing at the age of 19, Dele Alli appeared destined for stardom with Spurs. And he made good on that being involved in 63 league goals during his first three seasons and becoming an integral part of the England national team as well. 

But as managers changed, muscle injuries mounted, and Alli’s focus shifted, his attacking numbers began to slide as over the next three-and-a-half years he was only involved in 26 goals. These numbers aren’t particularly bad as he’s spent time as a shadow striker, winger, box-to-box midfielder and a defensive midfielder but only getting 15 starts under Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Antonio Conte showed that the writing was on the wall for his career in North London. He was linked with a move to PSG or Newcastle but it was Frank Lampard who stepped in at the 11th hour to see if he can unlock Alli at Everton. 

Everton need midfielders, and they’re in for a double swoop including Alli and Donny van de Beek from Manchester United to suit Lampard’s preferred 4-3-3 formation.

Alli is a player who needs an arm around his shoulder and a manager who will take the time to ensure that he stays on the right path while also playing a role that he likes. Lampard can offer that as Alli and van de Beek will be expected to provide vertical runs into the box. Lampard is also a player’s manager, so while he’ll look to do what’s best for Everton he will also create an environment where players enjoy their soccer.

After a spell under Rafa Benitez where players didn’t enjoy the defensive style of play, Lampard will offer a free-flowing style that caters to the attack. And in the transfer window, without much time to get deals done, Everton have been able to add to the midfield with quality players. Allan and Andre Gomes were the only healthy midfielders on the roster at the moment so doubling that with Premier League quality is a good bit of business.

It’s unsure what the fee is for Alli on his permanent move to Goodison Park. But if anyone should know how to get the best out of Alli, it’s Lampard. So Spurs will feel that there is a good chance to hit these incentives to get a full fee as their midfield clear out continues.

Deadline day has already seen Tanguay Ndombele move back on loan to Lyon and Giovanni Lo Celso is closing in on a loan move returning to Spain with Villarreal. As Antonio Conte bolsters his corps with Rodrigo Bentancour joining from Juventus, change is in full swing at Tottenham.

For Lampard and Alli, this is a move that could define their careers. Getting Alli back on track when so many other managers couldn’t would be a feat for Lampard and it would also give Alli a path back into the England squad to turn around his career.