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Dimitar Berbatov comments on Dele Alli’s situation at Tottenham Hotspur

Dimitar Berbatov has claimed on TalkSPORT (Monday, 09:40am) there is something going on “behind the scenes” at Tottenham Hotspur between manager Jose Mourinho and midfielder Dele Alli, after he was left out of Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle.

Alli, 24, has failed to make the matchday squad in three of Tottenham’s five league and cup matches so far this season. In his two appearances, he has started both – but against Everton, the £5million signing () was hooked at half-time during the 1-0 loss.

Given a chance against Macedonian side KF Shkendija earlier in the week, Alli was taken off before the hour mark after failing to make the difference. He was then removed from the 18-man squad on Sunday, with doubts remaining over his future.

Spurs favourite Berbatov was asked about Alli’s situation and suggested there could be something going on behind the scenes at Spurs – linking a potential issue to Mourinho labelling Alli as “lazy” in the recent Amazon Prim documentary: ‘All or Nothing.’

Tottenham Hotspur v Birmingham City - Pre-Season Friendly
(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

“I’ve been there, especially if you’re a striker or a creative midfield player – if you don’t play, your confidence will suffer. Nothing is going to change, you’re still a good player,” Berbatov said. “Mourinho told him to his face that he is at lazy.

“That could lead to a problem down the line. If a coach is straight with you and you don’t take it well, it can lead to a confrontation. He is so talented, something is not sitting right with Mourinho.

“If you can’t find the middle ground then there needs to be a compromise. The goals he scores are unbelievable. They need to resolve it ASAP. Something is going on behind the scenes.”

TBR’s view – Does Alli need to leave Tottenham to rejig career?

Alli is a sensational talent and has proven in the past that on his day, he can be one of England’s best talents – at club and international level. But his confidence is certainly lacking, and his previous swagger has evaporated.

Perhaps the arrival of Mourinho has had a knock-on effect, with Alli suffering. Indeed, Alli starred under Mauricio Pochettino to begin with – though his drop in form has come following an in injury hit season. Alli is likely to stay, but could do with a loan.

Tottenham Hotspur v Birmingham City - Pre-Season Friendly
 (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)