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Football

01st Nov 2022

Beşiktaş boss accuses Dele Alli of performing ‘below expectations’

Callum Boyle

Dele Alli’s time in Turkey has been a struggle

Beşiktaş‘ manager has hit out at Dele Alli and accused the midfielder of performing “below expectations.”

Alli joined the Turkish side at the end of the summer transfer window after being deemed surplus to requirements by Frank Lampard despite only joining Everton in January.

The move was seen as an opportunity for the 26-year-old to reinvigorate his career but he appears to have struggled to adapt to life at the club and has only scored one goal and has failed to register an assist this season.

Şenol Güneş – who replaced the sacked Valérien Ismaël – has yet to be convinced by the England international and ahead of their grudge match against Galatasaray, called for improvement.

“I couldn’t affect the players [yet], now I can easily get through to them, but we haven’t got through to Dele Alli yet,” he explained.

“Let’s not discuss Dele Alli as a player, but he is below expectations in terms of efficiency.”

Dele Alli

Güneş was only appointed as Beşiktaş manager last week however his perception of Alli has proved the difficulties the former Tottenham man has faced.

Alli was subbed at the break in his side’s win against Ümraniyespor even though Beşiktaş were leading 2-1 at the break.

His former is a far cry from his displays six years ago in the 2016-17 season where he scored 18 times for Spurs as they finished second in the table.

However after the departure of Mauricio Pochettino Alli’s form began to fade away as he lost his place under José Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo before failing to impress current boss, Antonio Conte.

Beşiktaş have a reported £6m buy-out option, but it remains to be seen if they will activate it.

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