Opinion: The five midfielders who could replace Dele Alli at Tottenham Hotspur

Dele Alli could be on his way out of Tottenham after limited game time this season, as the young Englishman seems to have fallen out of favour with Jose Mourinho.

So, if Spurs were to sell up, let’s take a look at the five best options to replace him.

Christian Eriksen

The first and most obvious player Spurs could go after is Christian Eriksen. The Dane is already familiar with the Premier League, most of the players at the club, and the coaching staff.

While the 28-year-old did not leave on the best of terms, it is rumored that Mourinho would be open to re-signing him (Fabrizio Romano).

The Dane has suffered since switching North London for Milan last January, registering just one goal and two assists in the Serie A in 26 appearances (TransferMarkt).

While his form is not ideal, there will still be hope that Eriksen could rediscover his previous self and chip in with goals and assists should he make a return to N17.

Nicolo Barella

Another midfielder from Inter Milan, Nicolo Barella has emerged this season as a key figure in Antonio Conte’s side.

The 23-year-old has two goals and five assists already this campaign, beating all of his previous tallies in the league (TransferMarkt).

According to Calciomercato, Barella has attracted the interest of English Clubs following his exploits in the league this season. This transfer is made more possible by the fact that Inter are facing financial issues, having not paid their players from July – August (AS).

Marcel Sabitzer

Another viable option is Marcel Sabitzer from German club, RB Leipzig. Mourinho will be familiar with the Austrian as he was a critical part of the side that knocked Spurs out of the Champion’s League last season.

Sabitzer proved to be an effective component of Julian Nagelsman’s side last season, registering nine goals and seven assists in 32 Bundesliga appearances last season (TransferMarkt).

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Spurs, making his move an even more likely one (Daily Mail).

James Maddison

Premier League proven. That is the key with James Maddison. The Englishman has been in the league and has shown himself to be more than up to the task.

Mourinho is known to favor players already proven in the league as five of his last nine transfers have experience in England.

Having scored six goals and notching two assists in the EPL already this season, the 24-year-old has the same amount of goal contributions as all of Spurs midfielders combined (TransferMarkt).

Maddison would also be the ideal signing for Spurs as he counts as a homegrown player, something Spurs lack, especially if they lose Dele.

Jack Grealish

Another Premier League proven player, Spurs have tried to sign the playmaker in the past. However, some poor decision-making from Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy has left the 25-Year-old at Aston Villa.

The English midfielder five goals and seven assists this season from 16 matches in the Premier League (TransferMarkt).

Having just signed a new contract with the club at the beginning of this season, it is not the most likely deal but would be quite impressive if Levy and co were able to sort it out.

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