Nuno made the right call by dropping Tottenham midfielder

Nuno’s decision to drop Dele Alli for the Premier League encounter against Aston Villa proven right after Tottenham pick up first win in four. 

Today’s match against Villa marked the first time in the top flight this season Dele wasn’t selected in Nuno’s first 11. The decision was precisely the tonic required to get back to winning ways after an abject three-match span saw Spurs concede three in each loss to London rivals.

The reinstatement of Pierre Hojberg and Oliver Skipp at the heart of midfield provided Tottenham with a solid spine, allowing Tanguy Ndombele, Son Heung-min, Lucas Moura and Harry Kane to advance more freely.

Skipp started the first four matches alongside Hojberg, a tandem that paid flawless dividends until the wheels fell off against Crystal Palace. Though the dejecting 3-0 loss to Palace was more down to Nuno’s decision to start Harry Winks. There is no question that Skipp wasn’t at his best against Palace, but the importance of the Englishman’s presence was reinforced this afternoon versus Villa.

Skipp’s inclusion invariably means somebody has to miss out. Dele has been asked this season to increase his responsibility on the defensive side of the ball, something he’s clearly unaccustomed to and, quite frankly, unsuited for. Dele, like other midfielders he is competing against, including Tanguy Ndombele and Lucas Moura, doesn’t have the same tenacity and guile on the defensive side of the ball.

Dele’s lacklustre, almost non-existent, attempt to mark Thiago Silva cost Spurs dearly against Chelsea a few weeks back. While Dele can’t be held solely responsible for Tottenham’s recent poor run of form, it’s no surprise Nuno’s men conceded nine goals in three matches with Dele patrolling the midfield.

Dele is the type of flair player who is best suited for home matches against perceived lesser teams. He needs time on the ball and cannot be expected to play a key defensive role. Oftentimes, Dele is a liability when the opposition is in possession, an unfortunate reality Nuno has come to realize.

Skipp and Hojberg’s tireless work in the first three matches plastered over Dele’s defensive deficiencies. To build on their 2-1 victory over Villa this afternoon, Nuno must employ Dele’s services sparingly, only when he can afford to have a luxury player patrolling such important real estate.

While Nuno is still determining the perfect balance in his starting team, surely, with the focus on achieving consistent defensive stability, Dele’s inclusion will become evermore infrequent.