SAN FRANCISCO, January 11, (THEWILL) – There were no upsets predicted when English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur travelled to play Non-League club Marine at Rossett Park in Crosby, Merseyside. And, there were no upsets to talk about in the end.
In the largest gulf in league positions between opposing clubs in the 150-year history of the FA Cup competition, Spurs made the 161 places between them and Marine very obvious as Jose Mourinho’s strong team, full of mostly first-team faces, were up by four goals in the first-half.
Although much of the press coverage will deservedly beam the spotlight on the brilliant young talent, 16-year-old substitute Alfie Devine, whose historic goal put the Londoners 5-nil up in the second period, one player deserving of mention on the night was the almost forgotten playmaker, Dele Alli.
The Englishman, who had shone regularly for Spurs whilst under the management of ex-coach Mauricio Pochettino, had dropped down the pecking order during Mourinho’s term as manager. Even at fixtures where he was expected to feature, he did not even make the bench.
The situation worsened to the point where his obvious discontent for having sunk so low led to talkheads speaking about it being the best for him to seek a transfer from North London to another team that will appreciate his talents and the experience he brings at such an age as his.
Veteran Spurs legend, Glenn Hoddle, was one of those who believed Alli’s continued remain at the Tottenham Stadium was nearing an end with the 24-year-old only managing just 74 minutes of Premier League football after 16 action-packed matches this season. In fact, he encouraged Alli to move on.
“I could see Dele going to another club and doing really well in the right system,” Hoddle explained his position. “I don’t think he suits this system that Jose’s looking for. I think at some stage he will move on, when that will be I’m not sure”
When PSG announced former Spurs’ coach Pochettino as their new manager, the possibility of Alli picking up the challenge of Ligue 1 with the French champions in the January transfer window became very real. It seemed the player’s last days in Spurs colours were near.
If Alli’s exit looked plausible previously, all that changed after the FA Cup tie at Rossett Park. From even Mourinho’s perspective, the English midfielder may have just played his way back into the Matchday squad plans after his majestic 65 minutes display on Sunday.
Alli was on fire in the first half as Spurs went in at the break 4-0 up. If there were people who needed convincing of the game in his boots, he gave a very good account of himself. And now, Mourinho does not appear ready to ship out the 37-cap England international just yet.
“He was here today and of course it was not the match to measure the quality. But the professionalism and attitude and I am very happy with it,” Mourinho replied when asked if Alli was in contention for a starting position in the squad.
“I will not be surprised if next Wednesday Dele is playing with us.
“I am really happy with his attitude in the game. Of course, we didn’t want to risk much, the pitch is a bit dangerous and their enthusiasm can put the creative ones in some risk.
“But I am happy – good professionalism, good dynamic from him and Gedson [Fernandes] to start trying to create, so really pleased for the performance.”
Spurs travel to take on Aston Villa on Wednesday. By any chance, Alli may get some time on the limelight to continue to argue his case for regular playing time in Mourinho’s team.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
