Dele Alli has struggled for form this season and could be dropped by Mauricio Pochettino ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Brighton on Saturday. The 23-year-old has made four appearances in all competitions, failing to score or make an assist, and may benefit from being taken out of the spotlight.
Dele has racked up just 30 minutes of playing time in the Premier League, 144 in the Champions League and 90 in the EFL Cup. As per WhoScored, he’s created two chances, averaged 25.6 passes-per-game with 83.3% accuracy, made three successful dribbles (60%) and registering two shots on target.
The England international had a hamstring injury at the start of the season and hasn’t managed to show any quality since his return in mid-August. In his only league appearance – 2-2 draw with Arsenal (September 1) – Dele failed to create a chance, complete a dribble and didn’t make a tackle or interception either.
He showed a bit more quality in Tottenham’s Champions League thrashing (one interception, two chances, one dribble, 24 passes) but was still hooked in the 71st minute. Alli’s form has become so problematic this season, he’s been left out of the England squad by Gareth Southgate.
Pochettino may consider doing the same and could use Christian Eriksen or Lucas Moura in attacking-midfield. Tottenham need a starting eleven that is firing on all cylinders to turn their situation around, but Alli isn’t meeting requirements.