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‘Believing the hype’, ‘dropped his levels’: Teddy Sheringham comments on Spurs duo
Tottenham Hotspur cult hero Teddy Sheringham has issued some words of criticism about Spurs duo Harry Kane and Dele Alli, in conversation with Football London.
Both Kane and Alli struggled in Tottenham’s Premier League opener against Everton last week, Jose Mourinho’s underperforming charges falling to a 1-0 home defeat.
The Spurs striker endured a frustrating afternoon as he was given very little to work with in terms of service, his first touch in the Everton penalty box occurring as late as the 80th minute.
Alli also struggled, not doing well on the ball and showing poor decision-making on the day, and his shift only lasted 45 minutes as Mourinho hauled him off at half time.
Sheringham, speaking to , believes Kane’s levels have dropped from his usual “outstanding” self, though he also thinks Spurs need to do their bit.
“It’s a tough time for Tottenham,” said the former Spurs striker. “If they don’t match his ambition this season, the writing could be on the wall.
“But Harry has to play to his ability as well, I think he’s dropped his levels recently. I know he’s had injuries and it’s the first time I’ve questioned his performances, he’s been outstanding since he broke into the team.”
As for Alli, Sheringham has urged the attacking midfielder to get his head down and make sure he has good guidance from his fellow professionals.
“He was an unbelievable prospect,” he . “Has he realised those optimistic feelings? Has he got the best out of his ability? I don’t think he has yet because he is probably believing the hype around him.
“He needs to get back to getting his nut down, do his best for the team and be the player that he was three years ago. Then you might have the player back again.
“I don’t think it is anyone else… it is probably all up there (in his head) and he needs to have good professionals around him which get him playing the game how it should be played.”
TBR View:
Sheringham is perhaps a little harsh on Kane – considering how overworked he is, it’s little surprise that his levels have dropped.
As for Alli, he has definitely struggled for form of late, though Mourinho’s “” approach early on in his tenure saw the player return to the levels of yesteryear.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for the 24-year-old, given Gareth Bale’s seemingly imminent arrival will intensify competition for the front line places.