Teddy Sheringham has said that Dele Alli was right to leave Tottenham Hotspur for Everton as he looks to get his career back on track.
But former England star Sheringham believes the new Everton signing needs the 'desire' to turn things around.
Alli hit the ground running when he joined Spurs from MK Dons as a teenager, impressing not just in the Premier League but on the international stage with England as well.
But a downturn in form, coupled with multiple changes of manager in north London, saw him struggle for game time in recent seasons.
READ MORE: Frank Lampard gives Yerry Mina injury timeline as Everton prepare for absence of Demarai Gray
READ MORE: Everton fans to transform Goodison Park atmosphere for crunch Leeds United clash
The 25-year-old secured a transfer deadline day move to Everton and made his debut off the bench in the 3-1 loss at Newcastle United during the week.
Likely to feature again against Leeds United on Saturday, Sheringham said that Alli still has time to return to the level he was at three years ago but it will take a lot of hard work.
"Sometimes it happens with footballers, they enjoy the other side of the game," former Tottenham and Manchester United star Sheringham told GettingCasino.
"For whatever reasons, sometimes you fall out of love with the game, whether it be earning too much money or the manager that you’re playing under doesn’t give you a chance.
*Pick the Everton team to take on Leeds United:
"I don't think Dele Alli can accuse any manager of not giving him chances, because he’s had four managers now that he hasn’t performed under. He’s got to take a long, hard look at himself and be very honest and say, 'this is all about me'. He’s lucky that he is still a young man and that he can turn this around. I think it’s a big thing for him.
"I think leaving was the right thing for him, but just joining a new club and playing under a new manager doesn’t mean anything. He’s got to get that desire back where he wants to play at the top level.
"I wish him well. I like him as a player, I like his manner, I like his demeanour, the way he carries himself when he is playing well, but he needs to get that desire back that can give him that presence on the pitch, because he’s lost it. Its been three years now since he’s been performing at the top level. It’s a long way back for him, but I hope he does get back."