Karl Robinson identifies why Dele Alli is struggling at Tottenham

Add as preferred source on Google

Dele Alli’s former manager at MK Dons, Karl Robinson, has told TalkSPORT that he believes the reason for the Tottenham Hotspur star’s lack of form is down to the injuries he experienced last season.

Alli, 23, has been heavily criticised for his form this season, managing just one goal in seven appearances for the north Londoners this season. During 2016-17 and 2017-18, Alli had a hand in an enormous 66 goals – scoring 36 times himself.

But last term, Alli suffered numerous hamstring injuries and other slight niggles – given that he had just played at the World Cup for England and had little chance to rest. The muscle injuries were the first of his career.

The England international made all of his 88 appearances for MK Dons under Robinson, and the current Oxford United manager has explained that Alli is likely to be struggling to recapture his form following the first injuries of his career.

“I know him personally and the one thing I put down to a bit of a lack of performance is that this very young boy has played professional football since the age of 15 or 16, and he didn’t have any major injuries,” Robinson said.

“But over the last 12 months he’s had one or two hamstring issues and a different bits and bobs, because of overplaying. I think one thing we’re all forgetting about these young England players is, when are these kids going to get time off?”

TBR’s view – What can Tottenham do to rejuvenate Alli?

It is a very difficult one. Alli is getting criticised by media and fans alike, while the player himself is obviously suffering from a huge lack of confidence. Robinson’s claim that he could be finding it difficult to overcome injury could also be relevant.

Mauricio Pochettino could do with giving Alli a rest, but Spurs have little other options in his position. Christian Eriksen has been in woeful form, with the Dane set to leave soon. Giovani Lo Celso could cover him – indeed, Alli needs a rest.