Dele Alli’s downfall remains “difficult” to understand, with Roberto Di Matteo – who saw the ex-England international taking his first steps towards senior stardom – urging the former Tottenham midfielder to “enjoy life”. Dele finds himself at another important career crossroads after seeing his contract surprisingly terminated by Serie A side Como.
Italian job gone wrong: Released by Como
A fresh start in Italy, as he stepped out of his comfort zone, was supposed to help Dele rekindle a lost spark. He was, however, to make just one appearance – which was cut short after picking up a red card on debut – before being deemed surplus to requirements.
AdvertisementGettyOne cameo appearance since February 2023
That brief cameo off the bench represents the only competitive outing that Dele has made since seeing a forgettable loan spell at Besiktas in Turkey cut short in February 2023. He has endured issues on and off the field, making it difficult for form and fitness to be found.
Step back: EFL switch speculated on
As a free agent once more, plenty of questions are being asked of what happens next for Dele. He is 29 years of age and cannot rely on his reputation to keep landing contracts at top-flight clubs. It has been suggested that he should step back into the EFL ranks and rebuild from there.
Getty/GOALDi Matteo assesses Dele's unfortunate struggles
Di Matteo, who was boss of MK Dons when Dele was a hot prospect in their academy system, told GOAL – speaking in association with – when asked what Dele should do after flopping in his Italian job: “From the outside it’s difficult to make an assessment.
“I don’t know what’s going on with him personally. He was at such a high and somehow, something changed with him in his personal life. It’s difficult. It’s just a shame that we have lost one of the young, bright, English talents.
“I don’t know what he needs to climb up the ladder again. It’s difficult. I just wish he finds it as soon as possible so he can enjoy his football, his life again, and have a good time.”