DELE ALLI finally appears to have won over the Besiktas fanbase after a goalscoring return to the starting line-up.
The on loan Everton man, 26, has been largely frozen out of the team ever since Senol Gunes took over from Valerien Ismael.
The ex-Tottenham attacker has been restricted to just two sub appearances since October when the 70-year-old returned to the club as boss.
However, the 37-capped England international was handed an opportunity to impress this afternoon in the Super Lig clash with Alanyaspor.
And Alli took his chance with both hands to leave fans raving about his display.
Twitter was already inundated with praise for his performance at half time.
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He touched the ball 39 times during the opening period and had an 80 per cent pass accuracy.
Alli also made two interceptions, won six out of eight tackles and three of his four aerial duels.
That led to one fan commenting: “You keep playing like this, we’ll defend you to the death Dele Alli.”
Cenk Tosun had given Besiktas the lead from the penalty spot at the break, and he doubled the advantage five minutes after the restart.
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But then Alli’s big moment arrived just before the hour mark.
He showed great awareness to latch on to a loose pass on the edge of the six-yard box to beat a lunging defender and slide it home into the net.
Alli went on to be replaced in the closing stages and received a huge ovation as his team ran out 3-0 winners, and many were quick to declare him man of the match afterwards.
One tweeted: “The Dele Alli comeback is on!”
Another said: “Dele Alli scored and put on a man of the match display. Not something you hear every day.”
A fellow said of his display: “I’m not exaggerating because they dominate the game, but Dele is one click ahead.”
While another wrote: “Great match, most importantly Dele Alli ‘s contribution.”
Alli has struggled in Turkey since joining Besiktas on loan in the summer.
After receiving a hero’s welcome at the airport, Alli scored in just his second game for the club.
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But he has struggled in recent months, and was booed off the pitch by Besiktas fans in December.
Earlier this month reports claimed the ex-MK Dons ace could even be sent back to Everton early.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
