As Dele Alli continues to struggle in Turkey, a new theory has emerged hinting at why he declined so rapidly.
Back in 2015, Tottenham Hotspur snapped up a fresh-faced Alli from MK Dons.
Under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, Alli flourished and developed into one of the best players in the Premier League.
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During his early days at Spurs, Alli was constantly putting in stellar performances whilst scoring some of the finest goals you will ever see.
However, things began to unravel drastically as his performance levels nosedived.
After the departure of Pochettino, the likes of Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte all tried but failed to reignite Alli’s career.
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Ultimately, Alli’s time at Spurs came to an end in January 2022 as he joined Everton on s free transfer.
However, under Frank Lampard, it was still not working for Alli and he was shipped out to Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas on loan.
According to Alli’s former teammate Kieran Trippier, the midfielder’s rapid fall could well be traced back to the moment Pochettino left Spurs.
Speaking to Under The Cosh, Trippier said: “Poch was brilliant with Dele to be fair and Dele was flying at Tottenham.
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“It's one of those where I left and went to Atletico Madrid and he was there for two years after. But even during my last season there he was flying, he's a great lad, but Poch was brilliant with him.”
Whilst former Liverpool player Stan Collymore suggested whether an early retirement is the best option for Alli.
He said: “He has to ask: Do you want to play professional football, or are you not cut out for it?”
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It has been reported that Alli will return to Everton at the end of the season after being banished from the first-team fold in Besiktas.
Where will Alli go next? Only time will tell.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Dele Alli, Tottenham Hotspur, Kieran Trippier, Besiktas, Football