What kept Dele Alli from being Tottenham player of old against Reds

Tottenham’s Dele Alli made the most of his chance at redemption against Liverpool, almost resembling the player who ascended to prominence under Mauricio Pochettino just a few years ago. 

Alli’s career, aside from a few-month successful period during Jose Mourinho’s early days in charge, has taken a nosedive in recent seasons. Back in flourishing times, Dele relied on his uncanny ability, not unlike Frank Lampard, to find pockets of space in the box. He was also ruthless when a chance came his way. Unfortunately that prodigious period for Dele ended a long time ago.

Dele is now well and truly on Antonio Conte’s chopping block. Yesterday’s match, his first start since late September against Arsenal, was seen by many as his last chance to change Conte’s opinion. While Dele’s future at Tottenham is still uncertain, the Englishman did everything in his power to at least earn a stay of execution.

The biggest knock on Dele has always been his inability to contribute on both sides of the ball. Along with his historically poor defensive play, Dele is seen as a luxury player, someone unwilling to put his body on the line for the good of the collective.

That was not the case yesterday against Liverpool. He committed himself to every challenge, snapped at every ankle within proximity, with Naby Keïta the main recipient of Dele’s relentless pursuit. One sequence in the first half saw Dele wear Keita like a tailor-fitted suit, nipping at the Liverpool midfielder’s heels for what seemed like an eternity. Ran off his feet, Dele received a raucous reception from the appreciative Tottenham supporters.

Even after seeing Dele put everything on the line, it is clear he still has a long way to go before resurrecting a floundering career.