A Rebel Without a Cause: What happened to Dele Alli?

Dele Alli was considered one of the Premier League's most promising football players until his career spun out of control. The British midfielder climbed out of League One, putting in some remarkable performances over the years for the 'Spurs'. What happened with Dele Alli?

Dele Alli was born on April 11, 1996, in Milton Keynes, England. A small town north of London where football is a major attraction. It is the home to MK Dons, one of England's youngest football clubs.

He began his football career at MK Dons, where he joined their youth academy at an early age. His exceptional talent caught the attention of big Premier League teams.

During his last season at MK Dons, Alli signed off with 39 goals, ten assists, and a total of 3,400 minutes played!

Tottenham Hotspurs knocked on his door and signed him on to the team back in 2015 for $2.16m! Alli would go on to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

At just the age of 18, Alli's impact was immediate,e and quickly established himself as a key player for the squad.

During the 2015-2016 season, Alli's breakthrough year, he not only cemented his place in Tottenham's starting lineup but also became a pivotal figure in their midfield.

Known for his technical ability, vision, and goal-scoring prowess, he contributed significantly to the team's success.

Young Alli played a crucial role in Tottenham's consistent top-four finishes in the Premier League, helping the team secure UEFA Champions League qualification on multiple occasions.

His versatility allowed him to contribute both as a playmaker and a goal-scorer, leading to impressive statistics and garnering widespread acclaim. During his first two seasons with the 'Spurs,' he scored 70 goals, 31 assists, and played over 5,300 minutes!

Furthermore, Alli's international career with the English national team flourished. He represented his country in major tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup, showcasing his abilities on the global stage.

However, beginning around the 2018-2019 season, Alli's form started to decline.

Several factors contributed to his struggles, including injuries, tactical adjustments within the team, and increased competition for his position.

As a result, Alli found himself in and out of the Tottenham starting lineup, struggling to recapture his sweet spot.

The arrival of managers, such as José Mourinho and Nuno Espírito Santo, also impacted Alli's playing time and role within the team. His inconsistency came at a cost...

As a consequence, his place in the England national team became uncertain, and he was left out of major tournaments like the UEFA European Championship in 2021.

Dele Alli went to sign a 3-year contract with Everton FC, earning $5.2m annually. Nevertheless, Frank Lampard, who was Everton's coach at the time saw no future in Alli and gave the green light to his departure in 2022.

Alli would join Besiktas JK for $2.5m, potentially increasing the fee to $8.5m if the Turkish wished to trigger the transfer clause. However, it seems there is very little interest in keeping him around for much longer.

On his 27th birthday, a picture was leaked on social media of Dele Alli apparently inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon'. The English midfielder reportedly spent over 6,000 pounds on drinks that night, according to The Sun.

Mourinho told Alli, "I am 56 now, and yesterday, yesterday I was 20. In no time. Time flies. One day, I think you will regret if you don't reach what you can reach".

It is sad to see one of England's most promising midfielders spiral down so quickly. Whichever path he chooses, Alli's talent and determination make him a player worth keeping an eye on as he strives to overcome his challenges. It's never too late to change your mind...