Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte has shared his thoughts on Dele Alli, following his move to Everton on deadline day.
The midfielder had made just two league starts out of a possible 11 games for Tottenham since the Italian’s appointment in November.
Having joined Spurs from MK Dons in 2015, Alli was considered one of the best young players in world football and was part of the side that reached the 2019 Champions League Final under Mauricio Pochettino,
But Conte believes that the opportunity to join Everton came at the right time for the 25-year-old, offering the player new surroundings.
READ MORE: Frank Lampard lifts lid on 'hectic' transfer deadline day deals in first Everton programme notes
READ MORE: Frank Lampard is an Everton throwback as Farhad Moshiri makes change
“It was a good decision for both sides, for the club and for the player,” the former Juventus boss said .
“I think Dele needed another experience, another challenge in his life.
“He’s a good guy and for sure I want to tell him thanks for the time we worked together but I think it was good for the player and also for the club to take this decision.
“Good luck to Dele and the other players that went on loan to other teams.”
Alli joined the Blues in a two-and-a-half year deal for a fee potentially rising to £40m depending on various add-ons.
However, that will be considered a more than reasonable price if Everton boss Frank Lampard can rediscover the calibre of player that registered 31 combined goals and assists across the 2017/18 season.
The England international has described his move to the Toffees as a “perfect match”, with Alli eager to learn off Lampard, who was a prolific goalscoring midfielder in his playing days.
Conte continued by thanking Tottenham’s outgoing technical performance director Steven Hitchen, who has been reported to be in talks with Everton over filling the vacant role left by Marcel Brands.
“With Steve, I had a good relationship," the Italian coach said. "For sure. It’s a pity when a good person, a good man decides to resign.
“And then, at the same time, it’s important to respect the decision of every single person. For me, it was good and I enjoy the time we spent together with Steve.
“He worked a long time for this club and for this reason it’s right to tell him thanks. And now, personally, I wish him good luck for his career and his future.”
