Kieran Trippier believes Dele Alli's dramatic fall from grace can be traced back to the moment Mauricio Pochettino left Tottenham.
For years under the Argentine, Alli was one of Spurs' most influential players, one of the first names on the team sheet, and a man who had attracted serious attention from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson around the time of his retirement.
But in 2019 Pochettino left Tottenham after narrowly missing out on winning the club a first Champions League against Liverpool, and under the stewardship of new boss Jose Mourinho, Alli's stock started to fall at an alarming rate.
In an interview with Under The Cosh, Alli's former teammate Trippier has spoken out about the midfielder, who is now on loan from Spurs at Besiktas, and his fall from grace. He said: "Poch was brilliant with Dele to be fair and Dele was flying at Tottenham.
"It's one of those where I left and went to Atletico Madrid and he was there for two years after. But even during my last season there he was flying, he's a great lad, but Poch was brilliant with him."
Alli joined Everton on loan from Tottenham at the end of last season, where it was hoped he'd rediscover his previous form.
But the Englishman failed to impress as the Toffees were nearly relegated, and Alli returned to Spurs - now managed by Antonio Conte - still very much out of favour in north London.
A subsequent loan move to Besiktas was finalised this season, but so far Alli has failed to impress in Turkey, and at just 26 the future is already looking bleak for one of England's most promising young players.
Tim Sherwood discussed Alli's situation earlier in the year on talkSPORT. He said: "The demise has been so long, hasn't it?
"It was after my time. Pochettino played him in his favourite position, he really affected the side. I don't know the boy, but from the outside, you almost think did he get too much too early? I'm not sure what he's like as a professional. I'm not saying he's good or bad.
"I haven't got an opinion on him. All I know is he's such a talent and unfortunately, his career is wasting away and it's a real shame. I can say and Ally [McCoist] will back me up, there's nothing like playing the game, so just enjoy it while you can.
"Hopefully there's still time for you to pick up your career and run with it until your legs can't go anymore."
