Dele Alli has bravely shared his experiences of battling mental health issues in recent years, offering hope for a potential resurgence to the level of performance he once displayed.
The past few years have been challenging for Alli, especially considering his remarkable start in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur.
Following a falling out with Jose Mourinho, he was subsequently sold to Everton and later loaned to Besiktas, but both spells failed to yield positive outcomes.
Alli has now taken the opportunity to speak openly about the mental health struggles he has confronted and also revealed the sexual abuse he endured as a child.
During his interview with Gary Neville, Dele Alli made another revelation that he had struggled with an addiction to sleeping pills and had recently sought help by enrolling himself in a rehabilitation program.
The impact of his strained relationship with Mourinho even led him to contemplate retiring from professional football at the young age of 24, just a few years after he had established himself as one of the most talented young players globally.
By the time Alli turned 21, he had already contributed to 40 goals in the Premier League, combining goals and assists.
This remarkable statistic surpassed the combined totals of renowned players such as David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard.
A compilation showcasing his highlights from the 2016/17 season further demonstrates his exceptional abilities, with Alli finding the back of the net 18 times in the league that year.
Certainly, Dele Alli’s decision to open up about his personal struggles and seek the necessary support and help is an encouraging step that holds the potential for a career revival.
By addressing his problems and receiving the support he needs, Alli can focus on his well-being and regain his form on the field.
With the right support system in place, there is hope that the England international can overcome his challenges and rediscover the promising talent that captivated fans earlier in his career.
“An energised and motivated Dele Alli in the Premier League. Let’s hope he gets all the support he needs. Euro 2024, watch out!”, said one fan.
“Really hope Dele turns around his career man,” added a second.
A third wished him luck saying: “Would love you to succeed at Everton.”
Comparing the situation with another player who struggled with addiction, a fourth commented: “He’s still young. Remember Paul Merson hit rock bottom with gambling and made it back into the England team.”
“I hope somehow he can start to enjoy football again and just have a decent career,” replied another.
We would love Alli to be able to get back to enjoying the game again and then hopefully return to a level anywhere near his best.