Dele Alli has made a name for himself in the Premier League since he moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 The Emglish midfielder have become renowned in the game as one of the best player in England after just two season with the North Londoners. His rise to prominence came at a very fast pace.
The England international, due to his excellent form, has been compared with several big names in the world of football. He has earned comparison with English legend Paul Gascoigne and he has also been called ‘the next Frank Lampard’. Former Chelsea left-back Wayne Bridge also stated that he finds in Alli, the qualities that made Lampard the legend he is now. Speaking to BetStars, he said:
“I’d love to see Dele Alli in a Chelsea shirt. Obviously, it’s a bit controversial for him to leave Spurs and go to Chelsea, but I think under Antonio Conte he would do really well. The question is how important they think that player is to their team and how much they are willing to spend.
“Chelsea definitely miss Frank Lampard and for me Dele Alli is the closest player at this precise moment that could fill his boots. He is starting off the right way and he’s so exciting to watch.
“It’s obviously a big ask and it wouldn’t be an easy job, but I think he [Alli] has got it in him to progress and do what Lampard has done. He’s got the attributes to go and do it – he’s still young, he can score goals, he can assist and he works hard.”
While Bridge’s observation was accurate, Alli moving to Chelsea could be quite unachievable, but it does bring to mind the similarities between one England most celebrated player and another who looks to be walking the same path at both club and country level.
Critically acclaimed for being one of the best midfielders of his time by varieties of people, Lampard was a versatile midfielder who thrives in every area of the centre pitch. A hard working player with an amazing strength and an ability to read the game, his best quality was his vision, technique and passing range, his command of the midfield skills is exceptional. All this turned him to a prolific goal scorer throughout his career.
Scoring a total of 211 goals for the Blues in 648 appearances in fourteen years and being the all-time top goal scorer for the London outfit is an attestation of his extraordinary talent.
Alli, likewise, is known for his goal scoring skill and the ability to set up his teammates. He was named the PFA young player of the 2015-16 season. His versatility has seen him deployed to the central park and the flanks. He has also played as a secondary striker but he played more as a midfielder in the last campaign.
His long passing range made his career in the league a highly successful one. His speed and ability to shoot from a long distance has made him productive both for club and country.
In his two years at White Hart Lane, he has produced 28 goals in 87 appearances. He became the fastest Premier League player to attain 20 goals this season, overthrowing big names like Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and even Lampard
Alli and Lampard are alike in their way of operating. Lampard will always be found in the right at the right time and Alli has shown similar trait. The former Chelsea player finds the net easily and now Alli is evidently following his lead. Players of their caliber are very hard to come by.
Lampard showed that during his time at Chelsea and now Alli is demonstrating it week in week out for the Lilywhites.
Teams all over would be vying for his service and Chelsea will not be an exception. Tottenham would not relinquish their hold on him especially not for him to join a derby rival. Spurs can very well retain him as they have gained ground in England and they are on their way to becoming one of Europe’s best team. Alli is established at White Hart Lane and will not be looking for another home anytime soon.
Alli can’t be anything but great, he could go on to become another Lampard or even become better than the Chelsea legend. This would probably happen with the Spurs, not any other.