The Curious Case Of Dele Alli 

Once destined for greatness, now unwanted by many, when he should be in his prime. Breaks my heart.

Man, seeing what he had to go through in his recent interview breaks my heart. He says in his best mental space now, so I hope he makes a comeback.

Even Muller himself has said that a player of his type needs a world class environment (read: teammates) to thrive. The assessment that the conditions at Tottenham were ideal for Alli until they started to unravel during their way to the UCL final is probably the right idea.

The manager who brought him through at MK Dons, Karl Robinson, when asked how good Dele could be back when he first broke through, said he could be as good as he wants to be. I think he also suffers from not having a best position. At MK, even at the age of 16 or 17, he was good enough to play almost anywhere and be better than his opponents. That Man Utd match he was played as a defensive midfielder, and he could mix it up and be nasty and niggly as the best of them. He’s incredibly instinctive, and I’m not sure that fits well into modern British football. It saddens me, but maybe Dele has done what he wanted to do. Maybe he just doesn’t have the drive anymore.

Unlike many football talents who don't reach anywhere near their peak (read Freddy Adu or Zakaria Bakkali), Dele actually reached close to his peak. It's just that he didn't stay there much longer.

After seeing a comparison with muller I think making a new video about Muller's career would also be a nice idea.. not that flashy not a prodigy but still a great player

From tactical POV, he's very, very good in a very specific way (that's okay, many players are) and he's hardly been used that way since Poch. Once Poch left, different managers tried to use him in different ways and it just didn't work out. Also feel like him getting robbed and beaten by masked knife-wielding thieves affected him a lot mentally.

I expected him to be a superstar in the upcoming years back in 2015, but what a downfall from such a talented prospect. TAA must take notes about this issue, too.

The quality of your videos doesn’t drop…excellent production value and really good football observations! Hope your channel really blows up! It deserves to 👍

I will always feel bad for Tottenham after their 16/17 season. That team had the world at their feet, they only lacked quality back-up options. But unfortunately the higher ups barely invested in the team (instead building their stadium) during the following 2 years. The consequence being Spurs’ golden generation didn’t get the success they might’ve deserved

Thats why Muller is one of the all time German-Greats. He adapted his game so well to have played in many different generations. Golden boot 2010 to now, he always shines. He has been a starter of BAYERN MUNICH for 12 years now. He is definitely a strong contender for the 3rd best player of our generation.

This episode is a perfect example of why I love your videos, you are not some random dude trashing a footballer for no good reason, you do a proper investigation into the complex circumstances that can cause the issues and you never forget that these guys are human with very real and valid issues of their own. You do a great job every time. Thanks!

He is the most naturally talented player to come out of England in this generation, he just didn't seem like he himself wanted to be a great player for some reason, it's quite clear from that talk with jose

Quite simply he fell into alot of injuries, a change of manager which brought a change of systems which he didn't fit into & he fell into a depression which affected his drive/ambition which is exactly what is required to continue at a high level

Subscribed about a week ago and almost 75% done with your videos bro. Your thorough research, humor & all round video quality is a breath of fresh air. You’re genuinely helping me get through a tough academic semester 😂

Crazy how spot on Mourihno was about Dele

I player at Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United as a kid. Before that I was Captain of my school, club, inter league and County teams. At 16, before signing apprenticeship forms I had a mental breakdown, suffering horrifically with ocd, agoraphobia, severe anxiety and then ultimately deep depression. I literally thought I was going insane. I walked out of United and never played football again. Man City, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, Bury, Ipswich, Sheffield Utd, and a few other teams wrote to my parents, asking me to sign for them. I couldn't, but no one knew why. My mum and dad were lost for words and didn't know what the hell was going on. It was over 30 years ago and mental health wasn't talked about back then, so I stayed silent, pretending I had a shoulder issue, which I'd previously dislocated playing in Germany. I've watched team mates I played with as a kid go on to great things, but mental health issues prevented me from achieving my childhood dreams. It's happened to many before me, and many after me, and I think Deli Ali is one of those poor souls. Sometimes it slowly creeps up on you. I started counting my steps, then everything had to be in 3s, then I'd line things up and square things off, then i'd have to re-touch everything I'd touched with a left hand. It kept metastasizing until it had taken over every second of my day and every aspect of my life. One minute I'm training at the cliff for Utd, the next I've gone days, then weeks with no sleep, obsessing all night, exhausted and unable to focus or train to full capacity, constantly getting niggling injuries, because my muscles wouldn't recover without sleep. My last 6 months at Utd I was training on mars bars and lucozade alone, my energy was so depleted through lack of sleep. I went on to suffer for over 20 years, before seeking help (CBT therapy) to break the shackles that had weighed me down my entire adult life. It was hard, it took 18 months, but eventually I rid myself of the worse OCD my therapist had ever seen. I only hope Deli gets the help he needs because otherwise he'll look back, like I do a think, "if only".

Great video and wonderfully broken down. I'm a Spurs fan who needed somebody to put into words what seems to have become a footballing tragedy. One ray of light that you touched on for Dele is the fact that he is still only 26. It's really up to him. Anyway I wish him the best of luck for what lays ahead in the future. He was brilliant for us for too short a time.

Not everybody can be excellent in life. He's earnt enough money for 10 lifetimes and obviously isn't too worried about winning trophies or playing at world cups etc. And that's ok to be honest. He's in the sunshine having a kickabout and doing some gym work leading a great life.

"It's in the History of the Tottenham" Chiellini Quotes 🙂

Bruv when I was 13 back in 2016 Dele Ali was my fav player. He was a baller... that goal against Palace the megs he used to pull and strangely he just fell out of grace. Just shows how intense the mindset of footballers are.

I can't believe you resisted the urge to use the phrase 'Muller Light' :-).

Love @Football Iconic. You're easily my favourite footie content creator because you'll spotlight players with stats and the pertinent cultural background surrounding them, *yet* remind us that they're *human* and maintain respect for their lives and circumstances outside of football. Very respectful and an excellent way of conveying their story. Mad props.❤️

I just found your channel and I'm loving all of your content. Your work is exactly what I've been looking for. Can't wait for more great videos! I'm happily subscribed ☺️

Your channel has the most entertaining football videos I've ever seen, keep up the good work!

I'm happy i found your channel, keep going tenache!

havent watch your videos for quite sometimes and I'm just surprised how the channel is growing! Been subscribing since ages ago and I'm happy for you mate 👌

I always get hyped when a new video drops. Love your work

I am convinced Pochetino's sacking and Mourinho's harsh treatment coming right after multiple injury layoffs is what did him... If he was still at Spurs with Conte coming in we would have seen a rebirth.

Nice work bro on the way to 200k subscribers

First time viewing your channel. I love how well you present. Super comfortable, chill vibe! I enjoyed watching this, as I was unaware about Deli! I’m in Australia, so don’t get to watch this Cheers, you have my support. Bless you. Just thought I’d let you know that you’re doing great! Plenty of phrase and a new sub!

Love the videos mate. Favorite YT Channel. A video on Becks time with MUFC please!

I think he's a "UNIQUE" player in Couthinho mode, watched some videos on how he was used, he very much played as a second striker often arriving late in a box in Frank Lampart mode but with Son becoming more prominent and taking larger part in teams attack, those opportunities have dried up as he's played closer and closer to the goal. And while he's played as second striker or a number 10, he was much more Jessie Lingard at United while playing under Mourhinho, aka runner and presser than creative force like Kaka or Wesley Sneijder. He's made good money at very young age, so it's possible he's not as hungry as he used to be, family coming out of the woodwork for handouts, bad combination of the 2. I personally thought Tottenham should have adapted Liverpool shape when they almost won the league with Suarez, where Suarez and Sturridge were forwards and Sterling acted as a trailing player buzzing around, Spurs have the attackers in Kane and Son, I thought Dele would do well in Sterling role. There seriously should be a limit of getting 1 young player of the year award per player.

THAT is what I call a thorough and thoughtful analysis allied to a great presentation.

Liverpool passed on him before he went to Spurs and there were a few people, LFC supporters and others, who thought it was inconceivable that anyone would pass on such a gifted player. I have to admit, as a Liverpool supporter with memories of how the club had passed up Damien Duff, that it was sadly familiar, but omg have they been justified in the long term.

I felt like that Eriksen point was the best and honestly the main reason in my mind (above his laziness). Alli never felt like a midfielder or a striker, he felt more like a #10 with the technical qualities of a midfielder, but still not a pure midfielder like you said. To me it seemed that during his downfall he was constantly being asked to play that Eriksen role when that's not the type of player he is.

Thank you for the video, it gave me a new perspective on Deles decline, I for myself thought until now, that it was only on himself, that he didn't reached what he could have reached until now, but after seeing your video I realized, that there are plenty of also actually plausible reasons, why he didn't.

Love your videos on a specific player, could you please make one about Van de Beek?

so many people just cannot move on from their childhood traumas. thankfully I didn't know this kind of upbringing my heart goes out to those who do.💙🙏🏻

Bro ur too Good... Keep it coming 🙌🏾

You’ve got a great channel bud… keep it going

Dope Video I can’t wait for your Zidane or Ronaldinho one ?

This is a pretty good synopsis of his career in general. Dele is one of my favorite players and its hurts to see his career where it is right now. To add to this I think all of the three are part of the reason but the biggest is the decline of Tottenham as a whole and bringing in managers with defensive systems is what done him in more than anythimg. He had to adapt to a new role which he wasnt really a fit for to begin with, on a team that was faltering defensively, and in the midfield all while playing super cautious brand of football. I think he really got frustrated and disillusioned with Mourinhos tactics/the team and mentally checked out. Also Tottenham till this day hasn't replaced the rose, walker/ tripper duo. Those guys provided the crosses and width that allowed dele to operate.

I don't think people really care about Delle Alli anymore. Funny because he was once the next big thing...

Great video as always! Was really hopeful for Delle, but unfortunately he hasn't bounced back yet...

At least being at besiktas gives him a bigger chance to win a title than staying at Spurs

Spurs fan here. Absolutely shattered my heart watching this video. The streets will never forget the 2017-18 dele alli

Great video. It’s a mystery that won’t be completely solved unless he writes a tell all book after he’s done playing. I think you probably hit on a few of the reasons. Like you said we don’t know about personal life or mental state which could also be factors. He’s lost that edge he used to have and confidence. Hopefully he’ll consider seeing a sports psychologist while he’s in Turkey to go over what’s gone wrong in England while he away and out of the spotlight. Maybe that can help. He’s still young, so I hope he can overcome and do well with Besiktas. Who knows, maybe help them win their league. Thanks for the video. 🙏🏽

THANK YOU FOOTBALL ICONIC for this video! DELE ALI means a lot! he was the reason i started supporting spurs🥰

I'm a gooner, but i appreciate a good footballer. Him and Harry Kane was a joy to watch. It's a shame what happened with Alli. Genuinely could have been a great if he knuckled down but he didn't have that mindset.

I'l never forget his goal at Stamford bridge, dele alli was world class. I'm absolutely gutted at what's happened to him and in all honesty it baffles me, christ knows where and why it's gone so wrong for him.

11:12 Wonderful foresight Tinashe. At least you were sympathetic to Dele even before The Overlap interview - testament to your character and love your content as always!

A pleasure to listen to an articulate, thoughtful and well- researched piece

Would have loved to have seen which Manager was at mkdons who got so much out of him and how poch used him with such unique talented and fit him into the team

Mate, I'm a big fan of your story telling ways :D Very entertaining if not enlightning

The way he was raised playing ball on the street and with a disfunctional family is actually pretty common or was a few years ago here in latam

it should be illegal that this guy doesn’t have at the minimal 3 million subs

We need a curious case of kai havertz

As a TH fan, I really loved Dele. At his best, he would run into space and or pull defenders out of position for his teammates. Later, his motor seems to have slowed, he no longer found those pockets and it looked like a lack of will because he was too young to have slowed physically. I do hope he regains his form. Thanks for the video.

yea, I think you nailed it really, personal life aside, I think Erikson complemented him so well and without him you couldnt carry on in that way and couldnt adapt. Ultimately, maybe he is only as good as the players around him

I swear Nigerian fathers are something else every one I heard of left their kid

So mad I’ve been thinking about Dele this whole week even watched the Tottenham documentary

👑 Florished with Moussa Dembele in midfield who was then replaced by 6 season of a horror show that is Harry Winks.... You should do Harry 'Nissan Micra' Winks

Unlike Jesse Lingard, Dele Ali is still young and had the opportunity to turn it around.

great take , ijust watched overlap interview, wishing Dele comes back

You clearly explained in the beginning an absent father and an alcoholic mother that’s a lot of deep stuff and trauma . I think he eventually made the decision to make the bag 💼 and it’s totally alright given his beginnings but as football fans man if he had good coaching or a father figure like jose or sir Alex my god he could have been what Bellingham will be .

Dele Alli got a good football brain and with that he could thrive anywhere on the pitch, I would compare him to Wayne Rooney or James Milner. Wherever you put them they just adapt to that role, I have seen Dele thrive playing different positions, he played as a striker with son when Harry Kane was injured and even played as a Box to Box MF/DMF when Tottenham were light in midfield and Eriksen was unavailable. Playing as a striker is one thing since he plays attack, but seeing the way he played in that midfield had me confused where his best position was. That Football brain doesn't just disappear, he is dealing with mental issues. With his talent Dele could play till his 40's at the highest level but we will never know now.

Speaking of Muller, you should do a video of him

Back to videos about players more, i hope so + great one

As an arsenal fan I was jealous spurs had such a player. Now how things have changed for dele Ali

On FIFA 17, he had a potential of 92-94. Crazy when you look at things now

The thing is you can have all the ability you want if you've not the brains or mentality to marry that combination, Dele Ali is the walking example of the second while thinking the first will be enough to wing it

I think jose caused his carrer downfall he was already self concious and had confidence issues Jose made him doubt himself even more he was just a kid when jose told him that if poch was still here he would be one of the best english midfielder. Trent has to take notes I think he is in that trajectory.

Could we be seeing a ‘and rise again’ added to the title? 2026 World Cup?

A good video on this subject. It shows how complicated some humans are.

His position and style of play are treaky, his closer to Muller, Donny and Lampard, he needs more technically gifted players around him to Shine which makes it difficult for a player like him.

I only remember this guy for his hand challenge. Really sad and amusing at the same time

And to think he was getting compared to Lampard after one okay season. Makes you realize how elite Lampard was, mentally, physically and attitude wise.

As a spurs fan, it broke my heart seeing his decline. However, I'm hopeful he will be back to prove himself and everybody wrong.

2nd I'm Watching form TEMA Ghana 🇬🇭.....West African. Best sports channel of all time

One of the best football channels

Homestly my first thought was Bayern should get him as a Backup and than as a successor of Muller

I think the reason for his fall is simple it is his mentality he is content with what he has done like maybe he accomplished his main goal which is to not be poor any more through football also because he didn't have a fixed position

Always thought of him as an English Thomas Muller, but guess we'll never know.

Even now it saddens me to see what has happened to his football skills. Worse is the fact that many speculate what has caused it without Dele himself declaring what is behind his downfall. Has he simply fallen out of love with the game and is it another example of too much heaped upon him at an early age with unrealistic expectations for the future? Whatever it is we should wish Dele well for the future in or out of football, and just remember first and foremost he is a human being and a footballer second.

Great video. I think Alli fell out of love with the game a bit. Happens to a lot of players they take the money and treat it like any other job rather than the incredible opportunity it is. Hopefully Alli can re-capture that love but we will have to see

Lets look at the present. Besiktas have played five league games so far this season. Won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1. They are 4th in the table but have yet to play any of the teams above them. Dele arrived after their season started so was only available for the last 3 games. He scored on his debut and his team won but he picked up a thigh strain and went off early. He has missed the last 2 games which they have lost and drawn respectively. His team are not involved in Europe. Early days I would say. Lack of game time might explain his early muscle strain but that has it's roots in his performances. I think I'll revisit the stats in a few months.

Alli still young. 26..come on Alli! Work Harder And Make A Statement!

I have been waiting for this video 😂🤣🤣 wow... incredible timing

Great video

Excellent article. Once valued at £90 million and now hardly worth the £5 million Spurs paid for him. Watching him regularly as a Spurs fan you could see the desire drain out of him. I'd say his mental attitude was the biggest factor in his decline.

I remember being excited about rumors linking him with Madrid :(

Jose is punished for being authentic, and saying how it needs to be said. Alli, and Pogba are perfect examples

That dele Ali goal vs crystal palace 👌

The sad thing about life is, once you lose that spark that differentiates you as a individual, it becomes a haze in the storm that is life. Digging deep and finding it is something that is incredibly hard and no doubt sacrifices good and bad, but hopefully more of the former. It becomes of a life’s quest on its own and that would be how to build yourself up again. It’s a complete change to the personality of a person. It requires specialist help. I once despise Dele because of the way he celebrates and being a rival fan. Through learning the difficult upbringing he had and how he went from best young premier league player of the year x2, to this, I’m sadden. It provides another example of how sport stars are human beings inside and they too, are fallible. Reminds me of Balotelli. Once an amazing player and had the world on his feet, but lost his way. It’s unfortunate, but life is just as cruel as it is beautiful.

This story is the classic psychological case of ppl living to see others fall cause it makes them feel better about themselves! That’s the biggest reason any Deli Ali video will get a bunch of views & comments

I think his issue was his early drive and motivation, that hunger just kinda faded when money came. What people don't realise is for many youngsters, football is a way out of poverty, Deli grew up poor and football was his way out, he became a millionaire before 30 and if he decided yo be careful with what he made then, he'd never have to work a day in his life. Why does he need to be driven and motivated for? If his goal isn't eternal glory, i mean we don't know what peoples end goals actually are. But ultimately, thats up to the person, for all we know, Deli did EXACTLY what he wanted.

Great vid, personally I believe his biggest strength was his creativity which I believe was closely connected to his love and passion of the game. I'm afraid football became a job, not longer a passion which made him decline.

keep up for amazing work :)

Some players' goal is to make it, and that's what Dele did