Sherwood claims Spurs man will want to play different position under Conte

Tim Sherwood believes Dele Alli would prefer playing as a number ten just in front of Harry Kane rather than as a number eight. 

Antonio Conte praised Dele Alli’s performance in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday in what was the midfielder’s first Premier League start under the Italian.

The Spurs head coach also insisted that Alli could be a number 8 in the 3-5-2 formation he employed, which seemed to bring the best out of the former MK Dons man.

However, Sherwood believes that the 25-year-old would prefer playing as a number ten rather than as a part of a midfield three and suggested that even Harry Kane would also prefer Alli to be in that role. 

The former interim Spurs boss told Premier League Productions (19/12/21 at 7:15 pm). “I thought he (Alli) gave everything. I am not sure he is playing in his correct position.

“I think if he (Alli) tells him (Conte) where he wants to play, he will say ‘number ten and just occupying the centre-halves’. 

“I think Harry Kane wants him to do that. But he looks like he is getting there.” 

Sherwood also added that Alli struggled for fitness in the latter stages of the 2-2 draw against the Reds. The former Spurs midfielder insisted that the England international will need to deliver consistently if he is to save his Tottenham career.

Sherwood added: “Struggling for fitness. He looked a bit leggy when he got in the penalty area (against Liverpool).

“The confidence will just come. He got in once when he should have put a nice crisp pass with his left foot to Harry and it’s an easy tap-in. 

“He makes it more difficult even though Harry should score. He has a future here, just has to play with more consistency.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Time will tell if Dele does have a future at Spurs under Conte. The 25-year-old has had a few false dawns over recent years and so, we should reserve judgement until he strings a set of good performances together. 

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