Since the 2018 World Cup, Dele Alli has found life very difficult at Spurs where he has struggled for game time – and when he has been given chances, struggled to perform.
The midfielder scored just two goals in all competitions last season – with both coming in the Europa League as he made just 15 appearances in the Premier League and starting just seven times.
🏴Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli on Harry Kane’s future at Spurs:
💪“He is so focused to achieve what he wants to do.”
🌟“If he doesn’t score, it doesn’t affect him, because he knows how good he is and everyone knows how good he is."#THFC #COYSpic.twitter.com/tcjDvK5wJ8
— Last Word On Spurs (@LastWordOnSpurs) July 5, 2021
Many have argued that Jose Mourinho was potentially the man to blame, however in an interview with Goal, the Englishman confirmed that the former Spurs manager was not to be blamed for his poor form and lack of appearances.
“The only person I blame is myself,” said Dele.
“I should be performing at a level where it is difficult to not put me in the team or not play me. I don’t blame anyone but myself.
“Working with Mourinho was a great experience and one I learned a lot from.”
Dele now has a new coach to impress in the form of Nuno Espirito Santo, and he is desperate to give a good first impression and work his way back into starting contention every week.
“He [Nuno] has done a great job at Wolves,” continued Dele. “I am looking forward to speaking to him and working with him. He is a great manager and it is exciting times.
𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘿𝙔 for pre-season. 😤 pic.twitter.com/0GX5m5LP4y
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 5, 2021
“I want to make this year one of the best I have had. A lot of people have said I need to find the form I was in a few years ago. For me, I don’t even want to get to that, I want to go past that and reach my full potential to be the best player I can be.
“It has been a tough few years but I have been working hard and analysing what I need to do to get better.
“I have been training a lot on most days of my holiday. I didn’t feel I needed much rest, so it is just training the whole way through.
Pretty sure this was Dele Alli's brother 😂🔥pic.twitter.com/iH9hnmMR9C
— GOAL (@goal) November 24, 2019
“Everyone is looking for that extra few per cent, so you have to keep up. I am feeling good and the best I have felt in a long time.”
Spurs have begun pre-season and face Leyton Orient in their first friendly on the 17th July, with MK Dons hosting a match 11 days later.