Emotional Dele Alli 'let her go' tribute proves we've been robbed of a modern PL great

The midfielder immediately became a first-team regular under Mauricio Pochettino and struck up a partnership with Harry Kane up front.

He scored 23 goals in his debut campaign, earned a call-up to the England national team and was named PFA Young Player of the Year.

Dele impressed the following year too, scoring 22 goals in all competitions en route to another PFA Young Player of the Year triumph.

At this point Dele had established himself at international level and was a key player in the Three Lions' run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.

What stood out was Dele's appetite for goals and all-round tenacity when on the pitch. He had a temper, but knew how to channel it in key moments from a young age.

Injury issues limited the 39 cap international to just five goals in 18/19, but Spurs still managed to reach the Champions League final.

Dele didn't manage to impress Mourinho, or successors Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte. The latter decided it was time for Dele to move on in January and it was Everton who snapped him up on an initial free transfer.

A sad fall from grace for a player we expected to light up the top-flight for at least a decade, likely longer.

Fans have had their say on social media and they hope Dele can rediscover his form abroad.

One person commented: "Dele Alli's fall has to be the biggest I've witnessed in football."

Another added: "It's actually so sad, I thought he was going to be one of the world's best."

A third put: "I wish him nothing but the best he was some talent."

While someone tweeted: "Hopefully it's not too late."