Crouch makes claim on Dele Alli's situation at Tottenham

Peter Crouch has urged Tottenham to take caution with Dele Alli and prevent the midfielder from rotting on the bench.

Dele Alli would have been left unimpressed by Mourinho’s decision to drop him to the bench against Burnley, says Peter Crouch.

The Spurs midfielder has not started a Premier League game since he did so on the opening day of the season.

However, Alli has put together some fine displays of late. He impressed with a bicycle kick goal and two assists against Wolfsberger last week but did not get the same treatment as Bale who was rewarded with a start against Burnley.

🗣"Did you give me 4 names or 11, do you want me to give the other 7?" 🤣

Classic Jose Mourinho when asked if Tottenham fans can look forward to seeing Bale, Son, Kane & Alli in the same Spurs team pic.twitter.com/y8H0Z509cm
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 26, 2021

It has been a frustrating season for the 24-year-old, who saw a January reunion with Mauricio Pochettino at PSG fall through. So far, has been pushed to the fringes by manager Jose Mourinho.

The Spurs boss is now suggesting that there is a way back for Alli. The player’s inclusion in the Europa League games and appearances from the bench in the last three League games would suggest that.

However, former Tottenham man Crouch says the player will still be bitterly disappointed.

“I was at Tottenham last Wednesday and I thought Alli was super,” Crouch said in his Daily Mail column. “He had a glint in his eyes, he looked hungry and a class above.

“Yes, he was playing opponents who were average but his quality shone through and it was a reminder of how good he can be. So I could understand why he would have been frustrated yesterday.”

“He hasn’t featured in nine of Tottenham’s Premier League squads this season and that is too much absence for a player of his class. He shouldn’t be left to rot, he shouldn’t have a career that is just drifting aimlessly.”

“We aren’t privy to what is happening behind closed doors and we have to respect why Jose Mourinho is making these calls. But I expect Dele would have been totally deflated at being on the bench against Burnley.”

“Gareth Bale looked like the Gareth Bale we all know against Burnley. Harry Kane and Heung-min Son were on fire, too.”

“If you add Alli into that equation, you have a front four who are as exciting as anything in the country. I hope he gets another chance.”

Dele has made just seven Premier League appearances all season, with one start.