Former Tottenham Hotspur star Jermaine Jenas had some criticism for Mauricio Pochettino over the tactical decisions he has made regarding Spurs’ key midfielder Dele Alli this season.
The young Englishman burst onto the scene only three seasons ago as one of the hottest prospects in English football as he formed a fine partnership in the first team with fellow England star Harry Kane.
In fact, there was a period not too long ago that Alli was seen as the man to take over and lead the team in the absence of Kane.
However, inconsistencies hace crept into the game of the midfielder and it has come at a very important period at the club where Spurs appear to be on the brink of major glory and significant progress into one of Europe’s elite sides.
Ahead of the clash with Ajax in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal, there was some degree on Alli to perform at his best since two of his fellow key atatckers were not available.
But even before the ball was kicked, Jenas pointed out the fact that Pochettino has not played the Englishman in the right position.
“Look, it [patchy form] is what you get with young players sometimes,” Jenas said, as per the Express
“That guy has shot way beyond what any of us thought he was capable of coming from MK Dons.
“Now, he’s had some issues this season, don’t get me wrong.
“But I think a lot of those issues have been put upon him.
“He’s been asked to play in a position that I don’t think suits him.
“He’s not a centre-midfielder as far as I’m concerned.
“In think he can play there, but he’s much better higher up the pitch, in-behind centre-forwards, having an impact in the box.
“So hopefully that’s where we will see more of him tonight.”