Ledley King calls out Nuno for not playing to strengths of key man
Tottenham legend Ledley King believes that boss Nuno Espirito Santo is not playing Dele Alli to his strengths early in the season.
Dele has played in nine of Spurs’ 10 games in all competitions this season, although he has largely featured in a midfield three rather than his preferred role behind Harry Kane.
However, he struggled in the defeats to Chelsea and Arsenal. So much so that he was hauled off at half-time of the 3-1 loss to the Gunners at The Emirates on Sunday.
And speaking to Sky Sports after the match, King suggested that the former MK Dons star was playing out of position.
He said: “I personally think his best role is in the number 10 where he can attack the box. We know he has great energy, an eye for goal. That’s his strength.”
The stats certainly suggest that King is spot on.
Dele scored 44 goals and added as many assists in 162 games playing in a more attacking role, as per Transfermarkt.
Indeed, during what was arguably his peak under Mauricio Pochettino in 2016-17, Dele scored 18 Premier League goals.
However, the 25-year-old now faces the prospect of being dropped for the club’s next Premier League outing. They host an Aston Villa on Sunday that won at Old Trafford last weekend.
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Tottenham battling Everton for Napoli man
Meanwhile, Tottenham and Everton are reportedly ready to go head-to-head to land a proven top-flight goalscorer in the January transfer window.
Napoli forward Lorenzo Insigne has been on Spurs’ radar since Mauricio Pochettino’s time in north London and they were known to have made an offer for the Italy international over the summer, after Fabio Paratici came in as sporting director.
The 30-year-old is yet to begin fresh contract talks in Italy, with his current deal expiring next summer.
That has sparked plenty of rumours that Napoli could cash in early in 2022. Meanwhile, the player himself could agree a pre-contract with a foreign club and eventually leave for nothing.
Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo is certainly in need of some fresh blood after a woeful run of results.
After winning their opening three league games, Spurs have lost their last three. They have also conceded nine times and scored just once in that time.
All of the early season optimism has completely disappeared after another toothless display at Arsenal.
Nuno’s men were 3-0 down at half-time at The Emirates. Although they improved after the break, overall it was a dismal display in such a high-profile game.
Attack is certainly an area that Tottenham will look to add more strength in depth. Talisman Harry Kane has yet to score a Premier League goal this season. He also looks disinterested after his failed summer exit.
Insigne could give Tottenham different dimension
Insigne would certainly breathe into the north London side. The Italy star can play in a variety of attacking roles and has a creative spark sorely missing in the current Spurs team.
As for Everton’s interest, Toffees boss Rafa Benitez coached the player during his spell in charge at Naples.
There is known to be mutual respect between the Spaniard and Insigne. The latter, speaking in 2015, said of the former Liverpool boss: “I never had any sort of problem with Benitez and I owe him a lot because he helped me develop the defensive side of my game.”
READ MORE: Paratici and Tottenham working on deal for ‘battering ram’ attacker
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