Frank Lampard urged Dele Alli to 'stay in the game' as he fought his way into contention at Everton.
The midfielder had been a bit-part player since signing from Tottenham Hotspur in January and has been at the centre of questions surrounding his fall from favour at the London club. He made his most telling contribution in blue on Thursday night, coming on at half-time and helping the Blues to a remarkable comeback win over Crystal Palace.
His performance hinted at what he could offer Lampard going forward and left the manager "really pleased". The Blues boss, speaking after the win that secured Everton's Premier League status, offered a glimpse inside his relationship with the 26-year-old as he heaped praise on his commitment.
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Detailing their Finch Farm conversations, he said: "I say this to him. There are two sides - my managerial and coach's head, and as a player. I understand, as a player, when you are not playing it's difficult and you get upset. You strive and you want to play come every matchday. And there is my manager/coach's head looking at the big picture and going 'OK we are in a tense moment - show me in training you deserve to play'."
Last night, Lampard said Alli had worked hard at Finch Farm - a point he has repeated over recent weeks amid questions about whether he had a role to play in the Blues' survival bid. He explained Alli's lack of minutes over recent weeks had come amid the form of Alex Iwobi when given opportunities in midfield, as well as the contributions of Richarlison, Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray.
Lampard has always viewed Alli's progress at Everton as a long-term process - though had hoped there would opportunities to integrate him into the first team while the team was under less pressure. In the end, Alli's big moment came at the most crucial time for the Blues. Despite Everton's struggles, he was applauded onto the pitch when he emerged during half time, going through his warm up before then replacing Andre Gomes and setting in motion a famous comeback.
Lampard said it was deserved reward for his hard work and patience, revealing what he had been telling Alli as he attempted to earn his chance: "It is so hard to tell players when you are an ex-player - sometimes, just stay in the game, train and do the right thing. To be fair to him he has and he affected the game hugely."
