Dele Alli at Everton

[ljinko888]

I know he doesn't have a relationship with his dad but where are the rest of the family? They're just going to watch him self destruct?

 

[kmk]

I know he doesn't have a relationship with his dad but where are the rest of the family? They're just going to watch him self destruct?

I believe he was/is estranged from his mum, who had problems with alcohol addiction.

 

[ljinko888]

I think the comparison is spookily close

Dele’s downfall came when he started trying to improve areas of his game he was poor at (defensive positioning, ball retention) rather than lean into what he was good at (creating chaos, annoying opposition, finding space).

Likewise Trent has become more defensive in an effort to minimise his weak areas. But all it’s done is invite more pressure and mistakes while taking away what he’s good at going forward.

Dele is an average CM (but was an exceptional creative ATM) while Trent is an average RB but an exceptional RWB/RW.

It’s a common thing where people feel the need to become a more complete well rounded player rather than doubling down on what they’re good at.

Personally I don't think it is close at all. Not due to talent but simply because Trent is still playing every week. Dele's form took a hit when he dropped from the AM role to a deeper CM role as you say but he was playing games and kept fit and motivated. A guy like him who has played first team football every week since he was a teenager took being dropped really badly and clearly fallen out of love with football.

 

[Gareth88]

I know he doesn't have a relationship with his dad but where are the rest of the family? They're just going to watch him self destruct?

I think his mum has/had issues with alcohol and he doesn't speak with her. I remember reading somewhere he moved in with his mates parents who looked after him. You can't really help someone who doesn't want help, Best, Gascogine, Ravel Morrison I am sure there are 100's more players who got wrecked by money and fame. Hopefully he sorts himself out before it's too late.

 

[jpascavitz]

Personally I don't think it is close at all. Not due to talent but simply because Trent is still playing every week. Dele's form took a hit when he dropped from the AM role to a deeper CM role as you say but he was playing games and kept fit and motivated. A guy like him who has played first team football every week since he was a teenager took being dropped really badly and clearly fallen out of love with football.

I've always thought the toughest part for him was that he wasn't even "exceptional" as a creative midfielder, but he was the closest thing I've seen since Thomas Muller to the perfect "raumdeuter" which translates to (space interpreter/ instigator/ invader).

He wasn't creative in terms of an Eriksen or as good as dribbler as Dembele, but he always seemed to make the right run, be in the right place at the right time, and even if it didn't come off the risks he took making those runs, dribbles, and popping up everywhere around the box made our side completely unpredictable and opened up opps for others.

 

[Tottenhamboy85]

I know he doesn't have a relationship with his dad but where are the rest of the family? They're just going to watch him self destruct?

He had an awful childhood and only talks to one of his sisters.

Although saying that he has a good set of adopted ( although not officially ) family that he’s tight with.

 

[olliec]

I think this goes beyond football now.

 

[Stamford]

He's another lee sharpe. Stupid how he's throwing it away

 

[olliec]

He's another lee sharpe. Stupid how he's throwing it away

I think it’s unfair to say this now. We have no idea what demons he is fighting.

 

[inclineyid]

He had an awful childhood and only talks to one of his sisters.

Although saying that he has a good set of adopted ( although not officially ) family that he’s tight with.

Where is it possible to read up on his early life? I’d be interested to understand more about his background, don’t think anyone should be judged without knowing the facts. Getting the level of success he’s already got may well be amazing as an achievement in itself, it’s all relative.

 

[kmk]

Where is it possible to read up on his early life? I’d be interested to understand more about his background, don’t think anyone should be judged without knowing the facts. Getting the level of success he’s already got may well be amazing as an achievement in itself, it’s all relative.

If you Google Dele Alli childhood, there are many articles.

 

[inclineyid]

If you Google Dele Alli childhood, there are many articles.

Guess I should’ve thought of that!

 

[Super Pav]

Was reading the other day Everton were paying him nearer 200k a week than 100k!

 

[Tottenham_God]

Let's hope this is a David Bentley, falling out of love with football situation. Far superior to the alternative.

If he's played his cards right, he'll never have to work another day. Whether that's a good thing or not is open for debate.

 

[Montalbano]

Not that I condone Dele huffing balloons during his time off, but my god he’s got some shit friends to allow this to happen.

Well in the case of this leak, it seems like someone outside of his circle is clout chasing. He should know he can’t get away with that behavior for long nowadays, with phones being in the hands of those who want to seem cool and relevant.

 

[TPdYID]

Not that I condone Dele huffing balloons during his time off, but my god he’s got some shit friends to allow this to happen.

Well in the case of this leak, it seems like someone outside of his circle is clout chasing. He should know he can’t get away with that behavior for long nowadays, with phones being in the hands of those who want to seem cool and relevant.

Agreed. I can only imagine that a large percentage of his ‘friends’ and subsequent acquaintances are not the types of people you really want around your nearest & dearest.

My mum (god bless her) would preach “you are the company you keep”.

Essentially, pick your friends carefully.

 

[Montalbano]

Agreed. I can only imagine that a large percentage of his ‘friends’ and subsequent acquaintances are not the types of people you really want around your nearest & dearest.

My mum (god bless her) would preach “you are the company you keep”.

Essentially, pick your friends carefully.

The nature of the photo (on an app called BeReal, taken of Dele without him knowing, not including his own face in the photo, etc.) screams of a friend of a friend or friend’s sibling… someone who isn’t typically around and wants to let people know he/she is.

Can’t imagine what it feels like to have people constantly looking to photograph / take advantage of you but once again, he has to do better than that. If he’s gonna fuck around, should be doing it around a core circle of trust. Think many people would be surprised with the stuff footballers do on the regular and still get away with for this reason. But maybe he also just doesn’t care anymore

 

[riggi]

Tequila is pretty low calorie to be fair.

 

[TPdYID]

Tequila is pretty low calorie to be fair.

And it doesn’t sting the eye for long.

 

[MR_BEN]

I don’t care what anyone says he is obviously battling demons and struggling to deal with them, if Everton release him it’s important to remember he is one of us.

Bring him back use him as the over 21 or whatever in the u21’s get help around him and a care package in place let’s try and rescue him at least before this turns into a horror story that none of us want to be part of

Agree with this 100%.

We have a duty of care for current and former players - if Everton cancel his contract (which would be appalling), we should bring him back in, in some shapes or form. Just helping with his rehab from his injury, get him training with the reserves - give him some purpose in his daily life and a chance to keep his career on track.

I fear if we, or Everton don’t do this - it may not end well for him.