Scottish football legend Ally McCoist has expressed deep sorrow over the current trajectory of Dele Alli’s career, admitting it is tragic that the former Tottenham and England star finds himself without a club and lacking suitors at just 30 years of age.
Once regarded as one of Europe’s most electrifying young playmakers and a talismanic figure during England’s run at the 2018 World Cup, Alli’s career has taken a severe downward spiral in recent years following difficult spells and persistent fitness struggles.
Speaking with talkSPORT, McCoist reflected on how far the midfielder has fallen from the heights of elite European football, lamenting that the footballing world appears to have shut its doors on him prematurely: “That’s great, and it’s fun and it’s good to watch and listen to. But if you’re talking about where he is at the moment in time, it’s tragic. That’s the biggest picture.
Because he should still be playing at a level that we’re talking about him on a Monday morning. “Never mind playing in that tournament (2018 World Cup), I thought he was one of England’s best players. He really was, he was different class.
Highlighting the harsh reality facing the midfielder as he attempts to maintain his fitness through private coaching regimens, McCoist added: “He’s doing his training with a fitness coach, with a football coach as well. And to see that no one’s giving him a chance at 30 years of age… It’s a shame.
He’s 30 — it’s a long time retired.” While glimpses of Alli’s personality occasionally surface through online streams or social media interactions with former teammates, McCoist believes deep down the playmaker knows he should still be gracing the Premier League stage rather than watching from the sidelines.