Who is Dele Alli?

Tottenham Hostspur’s Dele Alli has gone from being a relatively unknown League One midfielder to a Premier League star in less than a year. The vibrant youngster came through the ranks with his hometown club Milton Keynes Dons and went on to make 88 appearances since his debut back in 2012. It is believed Alli was keen on a switch to Anfield, having been a Reds fan all his life. However, old boss Brendan Rodgers and the Liverpool transfer committee focused their attention elsewhere. Spurs decided to take a gamble by signing Alli during last year’s January transfer window for what now looks to be a measly £5 million. They then loaned him straight back to the Dons and he went on to become the League One young player of the year.

Alli made his top flight debut on the opening day of the season, coming off the bench against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Two weeks later he registered his first goal for the club in a 1-1 draw against Leicester City. On 8 November, Alli started his first North London Derby against Arsenal where he was accompanied in midfield by fellow young Englishman Eric Dier. The two have since nailed down a regular place and managed to form a formidable partnership.

Alli has now gone on to make 31 appearances, in which he has scored 7 goals alongside 5 assists. One of them goals came against rivals Crystal Palace where he showed real star quality with a spectacular 25 yard volley. His form in this outstanding breakthrough season has led to him being rewarded with a new five and a half year deal, taking him through until the summer of 2021.

The 19 year old has represented England from Under 17’s all the way through to the senior squad. Former Wimbledon captain John Fashanu attempted to persuade Alli to change allegiance to Nigeria. Fortunately for England manager Roy Hodgson the midfielder opted to stick with the country of his birth and was handed his first international cap in a Euro 2016 Qualifier against Estonia back in October. Following this he was promoted to the starting line up for the friendly clash against this year’s European Championship hosts, France. Alli went on to put in a stellar performance in which he scored a long range effort, beating club team mate Hugo Lloris.

Looking towards the future, Alli is quite possibly the best English midfielder to emerge on the scene since Steven Gerrard came through the ranks. His talents are spread right across the board. He can score goals, he can create chances, he can tackle, he has great composure and doesn’t get pushed off the ball easily. Alli may be the driving force Spurs need to take them to the next level and challenge for trophies. In addition to this he will more than likely be a crucial member of the national squad for at least the next ten years. It will be very interesting to cast an eye over the career of Dele Alli and there is no reason as to why he can’t go right to the top.