‘Clash of personalities’ – Pundit suggests why player is struggling for game time

Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has claimed that Dele Alli has likely been frozen out because there has been a personality clash between the midfielder and Jose Mourinho.

Alli has had just three starts so far this campaign and has unceremoniously been hauled off at half-time in two of those.

The England international has even failed to make the matchday squad on a number of occasions.

Reports indicate that he has been frustrated by the lack of communication by Mourinho and is looking for an exit route from North London in January (Daily Mail).

Ligue 1 has been suggested as a possible destination for the midfielder, while it has also been proposed that Mauricio Pochettino could try and take him to whichever club he joins next (Telegraph).

Campbell has insisted that Alli should be looking to leave Tottenham as having him sat on the bench is a waste of talent.

Speaking to Football Insider, the pundit said: “I think there’s been a clash of personalities with Mourinho myself.

“Dele Alli has been a mainstay under Pochettino for the glory times at Spurs, wins everything but trophies and he’s looked the part.

“He’s not kicking a ball in anger really and you look at what the difference is and the only difference is a new management team has come in.

“Are they asking him to do things he’s not happy with? Is it a clash of personalities? Maybe it’s a clash of personalities.

“Dele Alli is a good player, he’s a really good player but if he’s not playing he’s got to go somewhere and play because Dele Alli not playing is a huge waste of talent.”

Spurs Web Opinion

As we all saw the scenes from the Amazon documentary in which Jose calls out Dele for being lazy, it is understandable why people assume that it is personal between the pair. However, that argument does not address why Mourinho showed faith in the 24-year-old for the entirety of last season.

I genuinely believe that the Spurs boss is trying to build a meritocracy whereby only those who prove themselves in training and in matches get to play. In reality, Dele does not really fit into the 4-3-3 we currently employ, particularly with Ndombele excelling in the No.8 role and Kane taking up the creative mantle of a No.10.

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