Sean Dyche has not ruled out an Everton future for Dele Alli but insists it is the former England international’s responsibility to “do the right things” to rescue his career at the highest level.
The Everton manager has spoken with Alli after the player’s return from an unsuccessful loan at Besiktas. The 27-year-old is in London awaiting a specialist’s verdict on whether surgery is required for a hip tendon injury that cut short his time in Turkey, and Everton will take charge of his recovery.
An undated picture emerged this week of Alli with a balloon in his mouth and next to what appeared to be canisters of laughing gas. The midfielder’s rapid decline on the pitch, and questions raised about his focus off it, has prompted claims that Everton might cancel a contract that has 14 months remaining. However, Dyche insists no decision has been taken on Alli’s future and he wants to assess the player’s commitment.
“There isn’t anything other than getting him fit,” the Everton manager said. “I’ve heard all the noise, I’ve heard all the opinions and I’m pretty sure you’re aware that I like to make my own. But he needs to get fit. I’ve met him but I haven’t seen him train, I haven’t seen him play for Everton, I haven’t seen him train with us every day.
“Before we worry about all of that it’s important that he gets himself properly fit and – if he needs an op or doesn’t – make sure his fitness is good and make sure he’s well and ready to go,” Dyche added.
Dyche claims he did not discuss the photo or the downward trajectory of Alli’s career when they spoke. But, like José Mourinho at Tottenham and Frank Lampard before him at Everton, he has called for the playmaker to take responsibility for his decline.
“We spoke about his injury, how he saw it, how he saw his time on loan and what he wants to do,” Dyche said. “I got the sense that he wants to be back playing football and playing well. First thing first is get the injury right. You can’t do anything when you’re injured.
“As regards football, anything else is down to him. He’s 27, he’s pretty well travelled in the football world and what he has achieved at a young age. Some of it is common sense – do the right things. And you know what the right things are.”
