Evertonian in peace here!
Hi guys. Before I go any further, after reading the comments I just wanted to say how refreshing it is to see such a good, activite forum where people seem so genuine - I've been on plenty forums and this one definitely stands out. There are countless comments wishing Dele all the best which makes me sad on your part for you losing a player so close to your hearts, despite his form over the past few years.
I just wanted to ask a couple of questions about Dele and get the opinion of some of the fans on here.
Dele had a quite unbelievable few years when he broke on the scene. His returns indicated he was about to be the next best thing. At what stage and why do people think his decline happened?
I know Dele has been implemented as a number 10 for the most part at Spurs, but has he ever been played as more of an 8, or in the wider positions? Also, I'm expecting more of a 'shadow striker' than a creator, but how capable is he at playing those intricate passes and playing in those half spaces linking play?
Finally his attitude. I see some people questioned his attitude off the pitch, suggesting he's a bit of a jack the lad. Do people know if he trains hard and does be work hard when on the pitch?
Thanks in advance Spurs fans, and I wish you all the best for the remainder of the season (except when you play us!).
Welcome mate,
What I would start off by saying is that the large majority of Spurs fans don't question his attitude, work ethic or general character (we leave that to the media). He seems to be an extremely liked member of the squad and has largely always had a great relationship with the fans.
I'd say our 'concerns' are more focussed around his mental wellbeing from a point of care than condemnation. He genuinely looks like someone struggling with the weight of expectation and the scrutiny of fame rather than someone who doesn't care about football.
It's worth emphasising in the second half of the 18/19 season most of the team started performing badly and then Poch leaving and Mourinho's public 'tough love' approach really seemed to effect him.
As for his best position….
Dele actually broke into the team playing in a 2 with Eric Dier with Dembele in the 10 role. Although not a tempo player, his pressures, box-to-box running and ability to arrive in the box made him one hell of a player.
After scoring a few goals, Poch swapped Dele and Moussa over. But he never became a #10 as such, which always remained Eriksen's role - but more of a dynamic box-to-box player.
I remember when he first arrived there were some stories about how he broke all kinds of bleep test records in training. When a player has a knack for scoring there's a tendency to just "put them closer to the goal." Most Spurs fans would have him as a 10, but personally I would say Dele’s best position would be as an 8 ironically doing a similar thing to Frank Lampard or today maybe a Souček? I actually like the idea of him roaming in a 3 with VDB doing the controlling role and Allen sitting.
Don't you dare play him wide....
On his ability to link the play
…he most certainly can. I wouldn’t say he’s a technically brilliant and fluid player like a Grealish or a Foden, but he's more than capable of inventive through balls, first time passes round the corner and intricate bits of skill. It's just a shame it hasn't been coming off recently.
Rather than being a technician, he’s a player with extraordinary imagination and bravery.... hence why I think a positive environment is so conducive to him playing good football. It's this which enables him to produce so many wonderfully skilful moments whilst simultaneously also looking so bang average.
Look after him and I think he'll look after you.
