Dele Alli taking on new role at Everton during injury recovery as Sean Dyche lauds star’s surprising impact
DELE ALLI has taken on a new role at Everton during his injury recovery.
And Toffees boss Sean Dyche has lauded the star’s surprising impact at Goodison Park.
Alli, 27, is yet to make an appearance this season after struggling with a groin injury.
The ex-Tottenham midfielder bravely revealed in July how he was sexually abused by a family friend when he was just six years old.
And he broke down in tears while talking to Gary Neville about an addiction to sleeping pills that resulted in a six-week rehab stint.
But as Alli continues his comeback from injury, he has been a constant presence at Everton training sessions.
And he’s even been giving Dyche tips on how to improve.
Dyche said: “I don’t think he would mind me sharing that there probably was a period when (his career) was drifting for him.
“He had a lot going on. Once that came out, it has allowed him the chance to focus on his football and he has been very involved in terms of absorbing.
“He can’t get out on the grass with us yet but he is looking at it and he is absorbing what the input from myself and the staff has been.
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“He is clear minded now. It was very difficult what he was going through, of course. We know that. But he is very willing to share, give an opinion.”
Alli reckons the Toffees are certainly on the right path to glory, having lost just once in their last five games in all competitions.
Indeed, he can even see similarities between Everton and Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham side.
And Dyche admits he loves being able to draw upon Alli’s experience as a World Cup semi-finalist and Champions League finalist.
Dyche added: “It’s a case of us having a coffee in the canteen. You’ll say: ‘Hey, Dele, how is it going? What are your thoughts?’
“He’ll point out little things. ‘I thought that, I thought this.’ It’s just a natural combination where we like players to share a view.
“It’s a nice knock-on effect that you can share something with the group. You can say: ‘I was chatting with Dele the other day and he said this really important thing’.
“We were clear minded when we were talking about direct football – not just kicking the ball forward.
“He said it was very similar to when Pochettino first went in at Tottenham. He used to talk about it all the time. He seems to me to be very secure in himself.
“He’s more than happy to share what he is thinking. These are amazing things he’s experienced. People, sometimes, lose sight of that.”