Dele Alli needs to be reformed for the sake of his Tottenham career

Wed 20 October 2021 7:45, UK

Dele Alli needs position change for his Tottenham career.

The 25-year-old has suffered a steep decline in the last few years.

In his pomp under Mauricio Pochettino the midfielder was reaching double figures for goals and assists in a Premier League season.

However, the last time he managed ten goals or ten assists in a single season was four seasons ago ().

This season has seen Dele fall away even further.

Dele started the season as a central midfielder in a 4-3-3 system.

However, neither that system nor that role suited Tottenham or Dele Alli.

Nuno Espirito Santo has since switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation.

He’s transitioned to a formation that suits Dele much better, yet the 25-year-old now cannot get a game.

Tanguy Ndombele is currently above Dele in the pecking order and maybe it’s time for the England man to change his role.

This could work out for both Spurs and for Dele.

Tottenham have famously had plenty of problems finding a back-up striker to play second fiddle for Harry Kane.

Dele Alli needs position change for his Tottenham career

Meanwhile, Dele has struggled for form and minutes.

Maybe this is the opportunity Dele needs, as he could transition to become Spurs’ second choice striker.

He certainly has the ability to find the net.

In his most prolific time for Spurs he bagged 37 league goals across three seasons.

Those numbers are better than many Premier League strikers.

His trademark during that time were his late runs into the box and his ability to get on the end of crosses and knockdowns.

In his pomp, Dele was taking 2.5 shots per game, this season he’s averaging 0.5 ().

Getting Dele into forward areas in and around the box will be key to him regaining some form.

He certainly needs to improve if he’s to justify his £100k-a-week wage ().

That could coincide with Nuno being able to give Harry Kane a break every now and again.

In practice it will be a tough switch for Dele, but if he can make it work then this could be a turning points in his career.