Frank Lampard has outlined his plans to re-ignite Dele Alli’s career.
Everton’s new manager swooped for the Tottenham star on transfer deadline day and plans to return him to his finest form.
Lampard believes his own career as one of the Premier League’s greatest midfielders will help him get the best out of Alli, who has seen his career plunge alarmingly in recent years.
Lampard said: “It is easy to be over the top. From what I see, I watched him come through and he is a fantastic player.
“I would say he has had a difficult time and he would admit that, make no bones about it. It can be down to so many reasons.
“We will start with a fresh slate and put him in an environment that suits him and supports him – and we will push him to extract that player we know is there.”
Lampard, speaking at his unveiling at Everton, Lampard added: “The technique and the talent are still there. There are many factors that can affect life and sport, how happy you are doing a job. I have to find the right environment.
“It is hard when it is such a big name and a top player is to do it quietly. We do our work.”
Alli has gone from one of the top players in European football to a peripheral figure at Tottenham, which also saw him lose his place in the England team.
Lampard is convinced he is the right man to help get back to his best – even if he brushed away comparisons between the two.
“I think we’re different,” he said. “It is easy to compare because we are both goal-scoring midfielders.
“In terms of the position on the pitch, I started deeper and Dele is more effective higher up. Particularly in his early Tottenham years when he played off Harry Kane.
“But he is versatile and can link play in deeper areas. We’ve already spoken about how to bring those talents out.
“As a coach it is nice to work with someone who occupies a similar position.”
