DELE ALLI is flying now Jose Mourinho has given him the freedom to express himself further up the pitch.
He’s already picked up three goals and an assist in the three games since the Portuguese replaced Mauricio Pochettino.
Jose Mourinho hailed Dele Alli’s work ethic after his two-goal supershow against BournemouthCredit: Getty – Contributor
There has been a lot of debate over the years as to Dele’s best position.
Some say he is best suited to a deeper role where he will get more time and space on the ball as teams drop off.
But Mourinho has other ideas and has asked him to play higher, getting as close as possible to the other attacking threats.
Looking at their average position against Sheffield United under Pochettino, Dele — playing as a No 10 in a 4-2-3-1 system — was deeper, miles away from Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
But on Saturday, playing the same position, you can see just how close he is to them.
Dele Alli has been given more licence to attack under new Spurs boss Jose Mourinho
Dele Alli clips the ball home, on his way to a double and three goals overall in the past three gamesCredit: Alamy Live News
Spurs are now defending with a six and attacking with a four. Kane is the focal point, the other pacy forwards play off him and look to get in behind.
The 53.7 per cent possession they had at home to Bournemouth was the second lowest of the season at White Hart Lane.
Mourinho has decided to allow the opposition more of the ball.
Dele’s two goals came from long balls over Bournemouth’s defence by Toby Alderweireld.
By giving up possession, Bournemouth’s defensive line pushed higher and higher, enabling balls to be played over the top into space.
But this is by no means a defensive tactic — by doing it Spurs actually created more chances — and Dele is thriving. Yes, he’s enjoying his football again, but it’s not as simple as that.
He missed the start of the season through injury and didn’t make his first Prem start until October 19 against Watford, their ninth game of the campaign.
People forget he’s only 23 so it’s only natural that he’s going to have ups and downs.
Because of the way he burst on the scene they have expected him to carry that form on forever.
It was only a matter of time before he came good again — and long may it continue.
José Mourinho hails Dele Alli’s work-rate after Tottenham star continues resurgence with double vs Bournemouth
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
