Everton misfit Dele Alli needs a “kick up the backside” and will get just that from new boss Sean Dyche, according to Danny Murphy.
The former Tottenham and England star has seen his star fade over recent seasons. His downward turn started during his time in North London, whilst it was hoped that a move to Goodison Park would revive his career.
However, he made just 13 appearances for the Toffees before he was j ettisoned on-loan to Turkish side Besiktas. Alli started brightly but quickly faded as he fell out of favour, was booed by his own fans, before he saw his season cruelly ended by injury.
The 27-year-old now returns to Merseyside in the midst of a slump, but Toffees boss Dyche has got the backing to get Alli back to his top form.
Asked if the ex-Burnley boss could get Alli playing to his potential, talkSPORT pundit Danny Murphy replied: “I'd say yes. He won't take any nonsense, but he'll also help him a little bit.
“I'm not suggesting you have to do one or the other all the time... I think Sean Dyche's got it in him to occasionally put his arm around him and help him along. My gut feeling is where Dele Alli's come from, what I've heard about the upbringing he's had and the type of lad he is, I do think he needs a bit of love.
“But I think more importantly he needs a ruthless manager who's going to really push him and kick him up the backside.”
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One of Alli’s former managers Mauricio Pochettino has already given his verdict on the midfielder’s current mire. The Argentine looks set to be reunited this season with his former player following his arrival at Chelsea.
Alli enjoyed the best spell of his career so far under the former Spurs boss - the highlight being a 21-goal campaign in 2016/17 as the North London side battled Chelsea for that season's Premier League title.
Speaking in his introductory press conference, Pochettino explained: "I hope to have some time to call and see because he [Alli] is a great guy and I want to talk a little bit with him and hear. I want to help him and see what is going on with him. He is still young.
"And for sure he has the mentality. Now it’s a long time since I spoke to him but I want to contact him again and see what is going on."
Ahead of what looks to be his final chance, Alli has just one year left on his Everton contract. It looks like he is going to be given an opportunity to impress in pre-season.
He has been named in the squad for the Toffees’ pre-season tour. Everton are set to fly out to Switzerland for a five-day training camp in the Alps. Dyche’s side are set to take on Stade Nyonnais, Wigan, Bolton, Stoke and Sporting Lisbon as they step up preparations for the new Premier League season.
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