Dele explains what he personally enjoyed about the West Ham game

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli was one of the team’s stand out performers in Jose Mourinho’s first game in charge against West Ham United.

He has had more than his fair share of critics over the past year or so, but Mourinho showed faith in him by handing him a start in his first game in charge.

The Spurs midfielder had a hand in two of the three goals that the Lilywhites scored in the game and earned rave reviews from his new boss.

The 23-year-old has revealed that he quite enjoyed playing in the number 10 role once again, having been employed in a deeper role in recent times.

Speaking during the prematch press conference ahead of the game against Olympiacos, the Spurs midfielder told Football.London, “Yes, there was a lot of space when playing in the number 10 role.

“It varies a lot because sometimes there’s not a lot of space in there and you can’t get on the ball quite as much. But on Saturday there seemed to be a lot of space in there and I enjoyed linking up with the forward players and helping the team as much as I can.”

The England midfielder often interchanged positions with Harry Kane during the game and played with a freedom we haven’t seen too often in the past year.

He also raved about Kane’s movement and talked about how much he enjoyed playing with the England captain.

Alli added, “Harry makes it very easy for me when I’m playing in the no 10 because of his movement and he’s a world-class striker.

“Its always a pleasure to play with Harry but there’s a lot of attacking threats in this team and it’s a pleasure to train with them every day.

“Harry has been here for a long time now and we know each other very well, he makes it easier. Just give him the ball and let him score.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Alli has looked short on confidence recently but his display on Saturday was a throwback to the Alli of a couple of years ago. The midfielder was picking up the ball in little pockets behind Kane and playing with freedom. If he maintains his form, then there is no reason Tottenham can’t turn their season around.

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