Dele Alli has now opened up on his new position in Nuno Espirito Santo’s system and what it is like working under the former Wolves manager.
Dele’s role under Pochettino was close to being a second striker, sometimes playing right alongside Harry Kane or making late runs into the box to try and get on the end of a Christian Eriksen cross.
However, this season, Dele has been playing as a number 8, on the left side of a midfield three with Oliver Skipp and Pierre Emile Højbjerg. Despite the drastic change, Dele has welcomed the position as he played it regularly back in his MK Dons days.
The Spurs midfielder also praised Nuno’s impact on the team and believes there is a lot more to come from this Tottenham side under the Portuguese coach.
On the new position, Dele said: “Number eight is a position I enjoy playing. It’s not something that’s new to me though,” he said. When I signed here, I had never played in the number 10 role. So, for me, it is quite natural to play there, and I enjoy being there.
“I think when you’re with a team like Tottenham, you’re happy to be anywhere on the pitch so wherever I play, I will do my best and hopefully that’s enough.”
On Nuno’s arrival, he added: “He’s done a brilliant job. We all came into training for pre-season not knowing exactly what to expect with a new manager coming in.
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“Normally, when a new manager arrives, it’s exciting, but it’s usually off the back of a bad run of form or the team not doing well. It gives the team a boost and it’s a new way of thinking, of looking at the game, different tactics.
“He’s steadied the ship though and at the same time, he’s got a clear way forward. We worked hard in pre-season and things are going well. It’s still very early on, he’s done a great job so far, but it’s a long season, so we have to keep on improving.”
The Spurs Web Opinion:
This could be a welcome change in position for Dele as it seems unlikely he will score 10-15 goals in this side. Against the likes of Man City, Wolves and Watford, Dele looked at home in this role, winning tackles and releasing the ball early to the front three.
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