Tottenham Hotspur
Chris Sutton predicts Jose Mourinho to make this decision on Tottenham star Dele Alli
Chris Sutton has told BT Sport’s UEFA Europa League highlights show (Thursday, 10.30pm) that he does not believe Jose Mourinho will bring Dele Alli back into his starting XI in the Premier League – despite his display on Thursday night.
Dele, 24, started Wednesday night’s second leg against Wolfsberger and scored the pick of the goals – producing a sublime overhead kick to put Spurs 1-0 up. He then continued to prove instrumental, laying on two perfect assists.
His delightful cross was headed in by Carlos Vinicius for his first of two goals, before teeing up the in-form Gareth Bale to net his second goal in his last three appearances. His performance was like the old Dele, but it must be said, against a weak side.
Sutton was asked if he felt the 37-time England international had done enough to start against Burnley on Sunday – the club Dele scored his last Premier League goal against – and the BT Sport pundit thinks Mourinho will leave him on the bench.
(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
TBR’s view – Dele deserves to start but Sutton right
Dele can only do so much against weaker Europa League sides to show Mourinho that he deserves a go in the Premier League. His performance was near-perfect on Thursday, and perhaps Mourinho’s decision to take him off on 81 minutes was a sign.
But the chances are that Dele will remain on the bench once again when they take on Burnley – even if Dele does deserve a start. Mourinho, as Sutton says, clearly does not fancy the ex-MK Dons man, and even if should get a start, he probably won’t.
Sutton’s prediction, although quite likely, is a prediction that will frustrate fans who are clamouring for Dele to get a chance.
(Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
