DELE ALLI has defended close mate Eric Dier by insisting it should have been him that was hooked after 28 minutes in the win over Olympiakos.
New boss Jose Mourinho took drastic measures early on during last night’s Champions League game after conceding two goals to their Greek opponents in the opening 20 minutes.
Eric Dier was hooked off after 28 minutes against OlympiakosCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Sensing something had to change, Mourinho made Dier the casualty as he subbed the England midfielder for Christian Eriksen after just 28 minutes.
It sparked Tottenham into life and a fortuitous goal on the stroke of half-time by Alli was the catalyst for a 4-2 comeback win.
But Alli insisted he should have been the one sacrificed following his performance after 20 minutes.
He told BT Sport: “We were losing and it’s the manager’s decision to bring on probably a more of a forward-thinking midfielder but to be honest, it could have been anyone that came off in the first 20, especially myself because I thought I was awful.
“It’s one of them, it’s a team game and the manager felt a change needed to be made. Thankfully it worked in our favour.”
Dier and Alli are one of sporting’s biggest bromances after appearing on reality TV show Gogglebox together.
Dier was also once forced to be Alli’s personal chauffeur for the day after losing to him at “arcade Olympics.”
Alli has already shown glimpses that he could find his best form once again playing under the Portuguese boss.
He starred in the victory at West Ham and admitted that an honest chat with the boss proved enough motivation to do his talking on the pitch.
Mourinho’s first question to Alli was to ask him whether he was “working with Dele, or Dele’s brother”.
Alli said: “To have it honestly said to my face was nice – because a lot of people would prefer to say it behind my back.
“It was actually the first thing he said to me. It was funny, I thought, I laughed.
“But we’ve had a few conversations now. That was one of them. There have been a few more as well.
“I’m hoping I can show him who I am.”
Dele Alli, right, claims it could have been him to be subbed offCredit: PA:Press Association
Jose Mourinho says he wanted to invite the heroic Spurs ballboy to the dressing room after the match but couldn’t find him
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
