‘Massive belief’ – Lampard makes Dele Alli admission ahead of Spurs return

Frank Lampard has called for Dele Alli to be patient despite the lack of starts over recent weeks, insisting he has full belief in the former Tottenham midfielder’s qualities as a player. 

Alli’s seven-year spell at Tottenham came to end on the final day of January when Everton swooped to sign the midfielder permanently.

According to reports (The Telegraph), the Toffees will pay £10m to Spurs for the former MK Dons man after he makes 20 appearances for them but there are also said to be plenty of add-ons in the agreement that could take the fee to as high as £33m (Fabrizio Romano).

Alli has not managed to hit the ground running at Goodison Park, having been in and out of Lampard’s starting eleven so far.

However, the Everton boss insisted the former Spurs man will be an important part of the side once he improves his physical condition. Lampard called for the England international to be patient and take his chance when it arrives.

The former Chelsea boss told The Daily Mail about Alli: “When he has come off the bench he has contributed well in games and helped the team. 

“He was particularly good against Man City and showed discipline in his performance which was required in the game.

“So it’s probably about his condition, learning a bit about myself and how my staff work and then fitting into the team. I don’t think we have to panic, to rush. 

“When we signed Dele, I certainly saw it as a long-term plan because I really have that massive belief in him as a player. He has to be patient and wait for his time at the start.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I would expect Dele to establish himself as a regular in Everton’s starting eleven over the coming months. I would dread to see him start or come on from the bench this evening as we know that he can be a dangerous player when he feels he has a point to prove. 

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