Dele Alli was working for Sky Sports as his Everton side travelled to Chelsea on Monday Night Football but the appearance could help the Toffees save money.
Everton found themselves 4-0 down at half-time, with Cole Palmer making it back-to-back hat-tricks at Stamford Bridge before Nicolas Jackson added a fourth.
Alli was in the studio alongside Jamie Carragher and Dave Jones, making his MNF debut to discuss the game and the weekend's action.
He is still not available for selection as he recovers from a muscle issue he suffered on loan at Besiktas last season.
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And in a weird way, Alli not playing is something of a blessing for Everton.
That's because it will help them avoid forking out £10 million to Spurs for his services.
The England international joined on a free transfer in January 2022 but the deal included add-ons related to appearances.
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As relayed by the Daily Star, Everton must pay Spurs £10 million in the event that Alli plays 20 times in the Premier League.
The two-time PFA Young Player of the Year has only managed 13 outings and there are only six more fixtures remaining this season.
Alli's contract expires in the summer, meaning Everton are likely to refrain from paying.
It can only be seen as good news for the Merseysiders, who have been plagued by financial problems and are moving into a brand new stadium.
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Alli opened up about his mental health problems and going into rehab in a July chat with Gary Neville.
And though he's still waiting for a return to the pitch, Alli does still have a rule at Everton.
Speaking in November, Sean Dyche said: "He is clear-minded now. It was very difficult what he was going through, of course. We know that. But he is very willing to share, give an opinion.
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“It's a case of us having a coffee in the canteen. You'll say: ‘Hey, Dele, how is it going? What are your thoughts?’ He'll point out little things. ‘I thought that, I thought this.’ It's just a natural combination where we like players to share a view."
Topics: Dele Alli, Everton, Sky Sports, Tottenham Hotspur
Josh Lawless