16 Dec 2020 11:49:12
Wildcard option!
Now before I get some undoubted over-the-top backlash from this, may I first state that I am definitely in the 'I love Bobby' camp. I'm not trying to find or suggest a replacement as I think he's irreplaceable in terms of all of what he offers, but I've been thinking about another option in that deep-lying forward role and I was wondering if anyone can see where I'm coming from on this one. Dele Alli.
Technically, I feel he's very good on the ball and his peak years up to now (2-3 seasons back) have seen him operate in a 10 Role, which is in the deeper attacking positions that Bobby likes to drop in to, so he's more than used to and comfortable with receiving the ball in crowded areas . Whilst it was a different tactical set up, with space being created for him to attack from deep by a Striker, he's shown he can attack the box from deep and get goals, with excellent technique, as well as being good in the air.
He's physically strong enough and even at a young age, showed he can handle himself in the Premier League, so dropping deep to receive the ball wouldn't be an issue for him in my opinion.
Technically and Physically, I think he has the tools.
Tactically and mentally, well that's something you can't compare to Bobby and where I would have my main reservations about Dele. However, as he was a boyhood Liverpool fan and working under a manager like Klopp, maybe that would increase his work rate and desire and get him back on track as he seems to have lost his way in the last couple of years, but he's still just 24 years old and is clearly out of favour. It would also be a change for him tactically, but that doesn't mean he couldn't adapt.
Again, I must state I'm not for one minute comparing him to Bobby, just looking at a different option. I'm sure I read an article recently that stated Dybala is the only one that comes close to hitting the same stats all round that Bobby does and realistically, I can't see that move happening.
Just an idea for a fun Christmas chat. What do you think Ed01?
{Ed001's Note - oh gosh no. He is a tool who has disappeared up his own backside. Steer well clear.}
16 Dec 2020 12:53:48
I think I do see where you're coming from: You found some suspicious mushrooms growing your back garden and you ate them.
Dele Alli may have all the tools but he hasn't used them in at least 3 years. Even if Bobby brought a deckchair onto the pitch and sat on it for 90 minutes he'd still be trying harder than Alli. Avoid.
16 Dec 2020 13:47:14
OP, the moment you mentioned Dele Alli in your first paragraph, I stopped reading. You had me going there, tho. I'll give you that. And stay off the mushrooms, man. Very bad for your health.
16 Dec 2020 13:51:18
Never rated Deli really, showed a few signs of talent and scored a few decent goals but not upto standard to play in our team.
My opionion is that there are very few like Bobby if any, if he could just score a few more goals he would be raved about by the media etc like he was a while ago. The team at the minute is not as settled as it was with all the injuries, young lads and a lot of games in quick succesion it has definitely had an affect on certain paleys.
It will come for him and same with Sadio as he has gone a few games with out a goal now!
This again is just my humble opinion as always.
16 Dec 2020 14:03:07
We have several options in the squad that are better than Dele - namely Ox, Shaqiri, Minamino and even Gini and Thiago can play that role if needed. I can appreciate that you spent a lot of effort on writing that, but Alli has a lot of work to do to convince even his current manager to play him regularly, much less any other top flight managers to give him a chance. The backlash you were expecting is not at all over the top - the lad just doesn't work hard enough and does not offer enough. The one thing he does have on his side is time, but he got seven minutes off the bench against Palace when they needed a boost and even then it was nowhere near Bobby's role - he was playing deep. I can only remember him making a tackle on his own end of the pitch.
16 Dec 2020 14:29:30
If you would have said Son, I would have agreed.
16 Dec 2020 14:40:28
Son 100 times yes Ali 100 times nooooooo.
16 Dec 2020 15:10:58
Shame is that when he came on the same he definitely WAS someone good enough to be in and around our first 11.Alli at his best from a few years ago would be very hard to leave out of ANY side, shame he just seems to be happy with them couple of years and doesn't think he has to try anymore.
16 Dec 2020 18:16:53
I used to watch Dele when he first came through in league 1. He played in DM or CM and got around the pitch very well.
Yes it was in a lower league but he was very young. He was as fierce as Gerrard and broke forward only when he could.
However, he barely tackles nowadays and is a completely different player.
Dele of old, yes please. Dele now, no thanks.
16 Dec 2020 18:48:58
Too lazy.
16 Dec 2020 19:10:47
Ali is everything what is wrong with modern day football.
Son is on a par, if not better than Bobby IMO.
16 Dec 2020 22:53:31
This thread aged well.