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Dominic Calvert-Lewin backs ‘mentally tough’ Dele Alli to show his class
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has backed Dele Alli to overcome his difficult start to life at Goodison Park and become a key player for the Toffees.
The attacking midfielder has been limited to six appearances off the bench since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in the closing hours of the January transfer window.
Despite embarking on a new chapter and hoping a move up north would bring a change of fortunes, the 25-year-old has struggled to impress Frank Lampard.
Last week, talkSPORT pundit and former England striker Darren Bent felt that Alli, who has been capped 37 times for England, may benefit from dropping down to the Championship.
It’s quite the fall from grace for the man who burst onto the scene at MK Dons and took the Premier League by storm under the tutelage of Mauricio Pochettino.
Calvert-Lewin believes Dele Alli will return to his best
Alli seemingly faces an uphill task to rekindle the form that made him one of the most coveted youngsters in European football, but his teammate Calvert-Lewin believes being in Merseyside is the best environment for Everton’s number 36 to thrive and shine.
Speaking to the on Alli, Calvert-Lewin said: “Dele has settled really well and is working hard every day in training. He has everything: athleticism, technique, aggression, he is big and tall and strong.
“It [Everton move] is a platform for him to rebuild his confidence and showcase what he is about. Everyone knows what Dele is capable of – perhaps the criticism comes from frustration because people know what he can do.
“He has played for England and in the Champions League and scored against Real Madrid.
“Those things load expectation onto his shoulders but he is big enough and old enough and strong enough to accept that and rise to the challenge.”
In his pomp, Alli scored 18 goals and provided nine assists on 37 Premier League games in 2016/17, but he has just one top-flight goal to his name from the last two league campaigns.
But Calvert-Lewin has no doubt that Dele Alli will respond to the biggest challenge he has faced in his career so far.
The England striker added: “People like to build someone up, then when they get there, [then] tear them down.
“I respect his mental toughness and resolve to deal with that pressure. And I respect his decision to come here and take that risk to show people what he is about.
“I have no doubt he can do that and when he gets his opportunity, he will take it.
“People will always talk, no matter who you are and where you come from. I respect his mental toughness and I back him.”