Jose Mourinho has praised the efforts of Dele Alli in Tottenham Hotspur’s 5-0 win against Marine in the FA Cup third round. The midfielder has played a bit-part role in north London this season but was instrumental as Spurs eased the non-league club aside and into the fourth round.
Mourinho has also hinted that Alli could have earned himself back a spot in his Premier League plans, amid speculation of a January exit to Paris Saint-Germain.
Jose Mourinho Pleased With Dele Alli in Marine Win
Impressing the Manager
Alli was at the heart of everything positive for Spurs and played a key role in the north Londoners’ victory in Crosby. The 24-year-old was involved in all three of Carlos Vinicius’ goals, teeing up the Brazilian for his opening strike and playing a delightful pass to Matt Doherty ahead of Vinicius’ second.
Although the quality of the opposition will have left a lot to be desired, the performance is a step in the right direction for Alli, who has clocked just 74 minutes of Premier League action this season.
Mourinho was quick to praise the midfielder’s showing, who seemingly delivered on his return to the Spurs starting lineup.
“I am really happy with his [Dele Alli’s] attitude in the game, of course we didn’t want to risk much,” Mourinho said after the game (via the Daily Mail).
“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.”
Playing His Way Into Contention
Alli has featured in just four Premier League games this season, with his only start coming in Spurs’ opening day defeat to Everton. The midfielder has since slipped down the club’s pecking order and has been restricted to just eight minutes of league action since October.
But after being handed a rare start against Marine, Alli took his chance to prove his value to Mourinho and could make a return into the Portuguese’s plans.
”He was here today and of course it was not the match to measure the quality,” Mourinho added. “But the professionalism and attitude, and I am very happy with it.
“I will not be surprised if next Wednesday, Dele is playing with us.”
Spurs will host Fulham this week after an emergency reshuffle of fixtures by the Premier League. Mourinho’s side were due to face Aston Villa on Wednesday, but an outbreak of COVID-19 in Dean Smith’s camp forced the game to be postponed.
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