Dele Alli
English footballer.
Dele Alli is currently a midfielder for Everton in the Premier League, having joined the club in January 2022 from Tottenham. However, his time at Everton has been challenging, and he spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Turkish club Beşiktaş. Born on April 11, 1996, Alli's career has been a rollercoaster of early promise, meteoric rise, and subsequent struggles. He burst onto the scene as a teenager with Milton Keynes Dons before making a high-profile move to Tottenham in 2015. At Spurs, Alli quickly became one of the Premier League's most exciting young talents, known for his goal-scoring ability from midfield and his knack for spectacular goals. He was twice named PFA Young Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017.
Alli was a key figure in Tottenham's rise under Mauricio Pochettino, helping the team challenge for the Premier League title and reach the UEFA Champions League final in 2019. However, his form began to decline following Pochettino's departure, and he struggled to maintain his place in the team under subsequent managers José Mourinho, Nuno Espírito Santo, and Antonio Conte. This led to his move to Everton, where he hoped to rejuvenate his career. Despite his recent struggles, Alli's talent remains undeniable, and at 27, he still has time to rediscover the form that made him one of England's most promising players. In July 2023, Alli bravely opened up about personal struggles, including childhood trauma and addiction issues, which have affected his career. He revealed that he had spent six weeks in a rehab facility in the United States for addiction and mental health treatment, demonstrating his commitment to overcoming these challenges and returning to his best form.
Early life & youth football
Dele Alli's early life and youth career were marked by both challenges and remarkable talent. Born in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Alli had a difficult childhood. He was born to a Yoruba Nigerian father, Kehinde, and an English mother, Denise. His father moved to the United States shortly after Alli's birth, and he was initially raised by his mother, who struggled with alcohol problems. At the age of nine, Alli briefly moved to Nigeria with his father before returning to Milton Keynes. At 13, he moved in with the family of Alan and Sally Hickford, whom he refers to as his "adoptive parents," although he was never legally adopted.
Despite these personal challenges, Alli's football talent shone through from an early age. He joined the youth system at Milton Keynes Dons when he was 11 years old. Alli's progress through the youth ranks was rapid, and he made his first-team debut for MK Dons on November 2, 2012, at the age of 16, in an FA Cup match against Cambridge City. His league debut came later that season against Coventry City. The 2013-14 season saw Alli establish himself as a regular in the MK Dons first team, scoring his first professional league goal and even notching a hat-trick against Notts County at just 17 years old. His performances in League One attracted attention from bigger clubs, setting the stage for his move to Tottenham.
Professional career
Dele Alli's journey with Milton Keynes Dons began when he joined their youth academy at the age of 11 in 2007. His talent was evident from an early age, and he quickly progressed through the ranks of the club's youth system.Alli made his first-team debut for MK Dons on November 2, 2012, at the age of 16. He came on as a 64th-minute substitute for Jay O'Shea in a 0-0 draw against Cambridge City in the FA Cup first round.
His first touch in professional football was a back-heeled pass, showcasing the flair and confidence that would become hallmarks of his playing style.His first goal for the club came just eleven days later in the FA Cup replay against Cambridge City. Alli scored in a 6-1 victory at Stadium MK on his first start for the team. This performance hinted at the goal-scoring ability from midfield that would later define his career.
Alli's league debut came on December 29, 2012, in a 3-2 defeat to Coventry City. He played 71 minutes before being substituted. His only other league appearance in the 2012-13 season came as a substitute in the final match of the season, a 2-0 win over Stevenage.The 2013-14 season saw Alli establish himself as a regular in the MK Dons first team.
He started the first league match of the season, a 0-0 draw against Shrewsbury Town. His first professional league goal came on September 28, 2013, in a 4-1 victory over Stevenage.A significant milestone in Alli's career came on March 11, 2014, when he scored a hat-trick against Notts County at Meadow Lane. At just 17 years and 11 months old, this performance highlighted his exceptional talent and potential.
He finished the 2013-14 season with 37 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals.The 2014-15 season was Alli's breakout year. With the departure of Stephen Gleeson to Birmingham City, Alli became the first-choice central midfield partner to Darren Potter. He started the season strongly, playing a key role in MK Dons' 4-2 comeback victory over Gillingham in the opening league match.
One of the most memorable moments of Alli's MK Dons career came on August 26, 2014, when he played a crucial role in the team's shock 4-0 victory over Manchester United in the League Cup. This performance against a Premier League giant brought Alli to national attention and increased interest from top-flight clubs.Alli's form throughout the 2014-15 season was exceptional. By January 2015, he had already scored 12 goals in 27 appearances.
This impressive form led to increased speculation about his future, with several Premier League clubs showing interest.On February 2, 2015, Tottenham signed Alli for an initial fee of £5 million on a five-and-a-half-year contract. As part of the deal, Alli was immediately loaned back to MK Dons for the remainder of the 2014-15 season.Alli continued his excellent form after the transfer, helping MK Dons secure promotion to the Championship.
On April 19, 2015, he was named the Young Player of the Year at the Football League Awards, recognition of his outstanding performances throughout the season.The 2014-15 season ended triumphantly for Alli and MK Dons. On May 3, 2015, the team secured automatic promotion to the Championship with a 5-1 victory over Yeovil Town. Alli finished the season with 16 goals in 39 League One appearances, an exceptional return for a teenage midfielder.
In total, Alli made 88 appearances for MK Dons across all competitions, scoring 24 goals. His time at the club was characterized by rapid development, from a promising academy graduate to one of the most sought-after young players in English football.Alli's performances at MK Dons showcased his key attributes: his ability to score goals from midfield, his vision and passing range, and his maturity beyond his years. He demonstrated a knack for arriving late in the box to score, a trait that would become a signature of his game at Tottenham.
The faith shown in Alli by MK Dons, giving him regular first-team football at such a young age, was crucial to his development. The experience he gained in League One, playing against seasoned professionals, prepared him well for the challenges he would face in the Premier League. Dele Alli's debut season for Tottenham was nothing short of remarkable. After joining from MK Dons, he quickly established himself as a key player in Mauricio Pochettino's side.
Alli made his Premier League debut on August 8, 2015, coming on as a substitute against Manchester United. He scored his first goal for Spurs two weeks later in a 1-1 draw with Leicester City.As the season progressed, Alli's performances continued to impress. He formed a strong partnership with Harry Kane, providing assists and scoring crucial goals.
One of the highlights of his season came on January 23, 2016, when he scored a spectacular volley against Crystal Palace, a goal that would be remembered as one of the best of the season.Alli's consistent performances earned him a regular starting spot in Tottenham's midfield. He played a crucial role in Spurs' title challenge, which ultimately fell short to Leicester City. His impact was recognized league-wide when he was named the PFA Young Player of the Year.
The season ended with Alli having made 46 appearances across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing 11 assists. His performances also earned him a place in England's squad for Euro 2016. However, the season ended on a sour note when he received a three-match ban for punching West Bromwich Albion's Claudio Yacob, causing him to miss the final games of the campaign.Despite this, Alli's debut season was considered a huge success.
He had established himself as one of the Premier League's most exciting young talents and a key player for Tottenham's future.Building on his impressive debut season, Dele Alli continued to excel in the 2016/17 campaign. He started the season strongly, scoring his first goal in a 4-0 win against Stoke City on September 10, 2016. Alli's form peaked during the winter months, where he scored an impressive eight goals in six league matches between December 18, 2016, and January 21, 2017.
This run included consecutive braces against Southampton, Watford, and Chelsea.Alli's performances were crucial in Tottenham's title challenge, which saw them finish second to Chelsea. His ability to score goals from midfield was particularly noteworthy, with him often playing just behind Harry Kane in an attacking midfield role.However, the season wasn't without its challenges.
Alli received his first red card in a Europa League match against Gent on February 23, 2017, for a dangerous tackle on Brecht Dejaegere. This incident highlighted the aggressive edge to his game that sometimes crossed the line.Despite this setback, Alli's overall performance throughout the season was outstanding. He ended the campaign with 22 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, a significant improvement on his previous season's tally.
His performances once again earned him the PFA Young Player of the Year award, making him only the fourth player to win it in consecutive seasons.Alli's form also translated to the international stage, where he scored in England's World Cup qualifier against Malta. By the end of the season, Alli had firmly established himself as one of the Premier League's star players and a key figure in Tottenham's future plans.The 2017/18 season saw Dele Alli continue to be a crucial player for Tottenham, although his overall goal tally decreased from the previous campaign.
He started the season well, scoring in Spurs' first home game at Wembley Stadium, a 2-1 loss to Chelsea on August 20, 2017.Alli's performances in the Champions League were particularly noteworthy this season. He scored a brace in a famous 3-1 win against Real Madrid at Wembley on November 1, 2017, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage. This performance was a highlight of Tottenham's impressive Champions League campaign, which saw them reach the round of 16.
In the Premier League, while his goal tally decreased, Alli continued to be a key creative force for Spurs. He formed an effective partnership with Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen, contributing to Tottenham's fluid attacking play. One of his standout performances came in a 4-1 win against Liverpool on October 22, 2017, where he scored and provided an assist.However, Alli's season was not without controversy.
He received criticism for a diving incident in a match against Huddersfield, which led to debates about simulation in football. Despite this, he remained a key player for Mauricio Pochettino's side.Alli ended the season with 14 goals and 17 assists across all competitions. While this was a slight decrease in his goal tally, his increased number of assists highlighted his development as a more all-round midfielder.
Tottenham finished third in the Premier League and reached the FA Cup semi-finals, with Alli playing a significant role in both competitions.The season concluded with Alli being named in England's squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he would go on to play a key role in the team's run to the semi-finals.The 2018/19 season was a mixed one for Dele Alli, marked by impressive performances but also interrupted by injuries. He started the season well, scoring in Tottenham's 3-1 win against Fulham on August 18, 2018.
However, a hamstring injury in January 2019 saw him miss several crucial matches.Despite the injury setbacks, Alli continued to be a key player for Spurs when fit. He played a crucial role in Tottenham's impressive Champions League campaign. In the group stage, he scored in a 2-1 win against PSV Eindhoven, helping Spurs qualify for the knockout stages.
His performances in the latter stages of the competition were particularly noteworthy, as Tottenham made a surprising run to the final.In the Premier League, while his goal tally decreased, Alli continued to contribute with his creativity and work rate. He scored a crucial goal in a 3-1 win against Chelsea on November 24, 2018, showcasing his ability to perform in big matches.One of the highlights of Alli's season came in the League Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
He scored the decisive goal in the second leg at Stamford Bridge, helping Spurs reach the final. Although they ultimately lost the final to Manchester City, Alli's performances in the cup run were highly praised.The season ended with Alli playing a part in Tottenham's Champions League final against Liverpool. Although Spurs lost the match, reaching the final was a significant achievement for the club and Alli played a key role throughout the campaign.
Alli finished the season with 7 goals and 8 assists in 38 appearances across all competitions. While these numbers were lower than in previous seasons, partly due to injuries, his importance to the team remained clear. The season also saw him sign a new six-year contract with Tottenham, underlining his status as a key player for the club's future. Dele Alli's 2019/20 season began with injury setbacks, as he missed the start of the campaign due to a hamstring problem.
He made his return as a substitute in the North London Derby against Arsenal on September 1, 2019. Alli scored his first goal of the season in a 1-1 draw against Watford on October 19, 2019.The season saw significant changes at Tottenham, with long-time manager Mauricio Pochettino being replaced by Jose Mourinho in November 2019. Initially, Alli seemed to thrive under Mourinho's management, scoring four goals in his first four games under the new boss.
This included a brace in a 3-2 win against Bournemouth on November 30, 2019.However, Alli's form was inconsistent throughout the season. He showed flashes of his brilliance, such as his goal in a 2-1 win against Brighton on Boxing Day, but struggled to maintain consistent performances. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a three-month suspension of the Premier League, which further disrupted the season's rhythm.
After the restart in June 2020, Alli faced new challenges. He was suspended for Tottenham's first game back due to a social media post that was deemed offensive. When he returned to action, he struggled to regain his earlier form under Mourinho.Despite these challenges, Alli still made 38 appearances across all competitions, scoring 9 goals and providing 6 assists.
Tottenham finished the season in sixth place, qualifying for the Europa League. While not his most prolific season, Alli remained an important player for Spurs, showing his ability to contribute in key moments.The 2020/21 season proved to be a challenging one for Dele Alli, as he found himself increasingly out of favor under Jose Mourinho. Alli's playing time was significantly reduced, particularly in Premier League matches.
He made only four starts in the league throughout the entire season, a stark contrast to his previous campaigns.Despite his limited opportunities in the league, Alli featured more regularly in cup competitions, particularly in the Europa League. He scored his first goal of the season on October 1, 2020, in a Europa League play-off match against Maccabi Haifa, contributing to a 7-2 victory for Tottenham.One of the highlights of Alli's season came in the Europa League round of 32 match against Wolfsberg on February 24, 2021.
He scored a spectacular bicycle kick and provided two assists in a 4-0 win, reminding everyone of his undoubted talent.However, Alli's relationship with Mourinho appeared strained, leading to speculation about his future at the club. There were rumors of a potential loan move to Paris Saint-Germain in the January transfer window, but this did not materialize.The arrival of interim manager Ryan Mason in April 2021, following Mourinho's dismissal, saw Alli given more opportunities in the final weeks of the season.
He made his first Premier League start in over six months on May 16, 2021, in a 2-0 win against Wolves.Despite these late appearances, Alli's overall statistics for the season were the lowest of his Tottenham career. He made just 29 appearances across all competitions, scoring 3 goals and providing 5 assists. The season ended with uncertainty about Alli's future at Tottenham, as the club prepared for another managerial change.
The 2021/22 season began with hope for Dele Alli as Nuno Espírito Santo took over as Tottenham's new manager. Alli started the season positively, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 22, 2021. This was his first Premier League goal since March 2020, suggesting a potential return to form.Nuno initially showed faith in Alli, starting him in six of Tottenham's first seven Premier League matches.
However, as Tottenham's form dipped, so did Alli's playing time. The team's struggles led to Nuno's dismissal in early November, with Antonio Conte appointed as the new manager.Under Conte, Alli initially struggled to find a place in the team. He made sporadic appearances, mostly as a substitute, as he attempted to adapt to Conte's tactical system.
Despite this, Alli did show flashes of his ability, such as his performance in a 2-2 draw against Liverpool on December 19, 2021, where he won a penalty and was involved in both Tottenham goals.As the January transfer window approached, it became clear that Alli's future lay away from Tottenham. After starting only eight league games in the first half of the season, Alli was made available for transfer. On January 31, 2022, the final day of the transfer window, Alli signed for Everton on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
At Everton, Alli hoped for a fresh start under manager Frank Lampard. However, he struggled to make an immediate impact, failing to score in his 11 appearances for the club in the latter half of the season. Everton narrowly avoided relegation, with Alli playing a minor role in their survival.The 2021/22 season was one of transition for Alli, marked by his departure from Tottenham after seven years at the club.
He ended the season with 18 appearances for Tottenham and 11 for Everton, scoring only one goal across all competitions. Despite the challenges, the move to Everton offered Alli a chance to rejuvenate his career in the coming seasons.Dele Alli's 2022/23 season was marked by a significant change as he moved on loan to Turkish club Beşiktaş on August 25, 2022. This move came after a challenging start to his Everton career, where he struggled to make an impact following his transfer from Tottenham in January 2022.
At Beşiktaş, Alli hoped to rejuvenate his career and rediscover the form that once made him one of England's most promising talents. He made his debut for the Turkish club on September 3, 2022, coming on as a substitute in a 3-2 win against Sivasspor. Alli scored his first goal for Beşiktaş on September 18, 2022, in a 5-2 victory over Ankaragücü.However, Alli's time in Turkey was not without its challenges.
He struggled for consistent playing time and form, making only 13 appearances in the Süper Lig, scoring 2 goals. His loan spell was cut short in April 2023 when he returned to Everton for treatment on a hip injury.The season ended with Alli having made 15 appearances for Beşiktaş across all competitions, scoring 3 goals. Despite the opportunity for a fresh start, the season did not provide the career resurgence Alli had hoped for, leaving questions about his future in top-level football.
As of the latest available information, Dele Alli's 2023/24 season has been marked by significant personal challenges and a focus on recovery, both physically and mentally. Following his return from the loan spell at Beşiktaş, Alli remained with Everton but did not feature in their first-team plans.In July 2023, Alli made headlines when he gave an emotional interview to Gary Neville, revealing his struggles with childhood trauma and addiction. He disclosed that he had spent six weeks in a rehab facility in the United States, addressing mental health issues and an addiction to sleeping pills.
This brave step to address his personal challenges was widely praised within the football community.On the pitch, Alli has not made any appearances for Everton in the 2023/24 season as of the latest data. His focus has been on recovery and working towards regaining his fitness and form. Everton manager Sean Dyche has expressed support for Alli during this period, emphasizing the importance of his well-being over immediate on-field contributions.
As the season progresses, Alli's future remains uncertain. At 27 years old, there is still potential for him to revive his career if he can overcome his personal challenges and regain his fitness. The football world continues to watch with interest, hoping to see the talented midfielder return to his best form.
National team
Dele Alli's international career with England has been a mix of early promise and later disappointment. He earned his first call-up to the senior England squad in October 2015, just months after his move to Tottenham. Alli made his debut as a substitute in a Euro 2016 qualifier against Estonia, aged just 19. His first start came in November 2015 in a friendly against France, where he scored a spectacular long-range goal, announcing himself on the international stage in style.
Alli quickly became a regular in the England squad, featuring in the Euro 2016 tournament in France. However, like many of his teammates, he struggled to make a significant impact as England were eliminated in the round of 16 by Iceland. Despite this setback, Alli remained a key part of England's plans under new manager Gareth Southgate. He played a crucial role in England's 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign and was selected for the tournament in Russia. At the World Cup, Alli was part of the England team that reached the semi-finals, their best performance in a major tournament since 1990. He scored in the quarter-final victory over Sweden, a header that helped secure a 2-0 win.
However, following the World Cup, Alli's international career began to stall. His declining form at club level with Tottenham coincided with the emergence of other talented midfielders in the England setup, such as Mason Mount and Jack Grealish. As a result, Alli found himself gradually phased out of the England squad. His last appearance for England came in June 2019, in the UEFA Nations League third-place play-off against Switzerland.
Since then, despite occasional calls from fans and pundits for his reinclusion, Alli has not featured for England. His international career currently stands at 37 caps and 3 goals. The decline in his international status mirrors his club career trajectory, moving from a central figure to being on the outside looking in. However, at 27, there remains hope that if Alli can rediscover his form at club level, he could potentially work his way back into England contention
Player’s style
Dele Alli's style of play at his peak was characterized by his intelligent movement, goal-scoring ability from midfield, and knack for the spectacular. He operates primarily as an attacking midfielder, often in a number 10 role behind the striker, but is also capable of playing deeper in central midfield or even as a second striker. Alli's greatest strength is his ability to time his runs into the box, often arriving late to finish off moves. This skill, combined with his composure in front of goal, made him a prolific scorer from midfield during his best years at Tottenham.
He has a particular talent for scoring with flicks and volleys, producing several memorable goals. Technically, Alli possesses excellent ball control and dribbling skills, allowing him to operate effectively in tight spaces. His vision and passing ability enable him to create chances for teammates as well as score himself. Physically, Alli is tall and athletic, giving him an advantage in aerial duels and allowing him to cover ground quickly.
He's known for his high work rate, often pressing opponents and tracking back to help defensively. However, Alli's style can sometimes lead to inconsistency, as his risk-taking in attack can result in losing possession. His form in recent years has seen a decline in his goal-scoring output and overall influence on games, but the fundamental skills that made him such an exciting prospect remain.