Dele Alli Says There Is More To His Game Than Contributing Goals And Assists

About to get into the fray for what will be his fifth season in the Premier League, Tottenham midfielder, Dele Alli, wants fans to judge him on more than just numbers even as he hopes to improve on his tally of 15 goals and assists last season.

According to him, there is a lot more to his game than finding the net or creating goals for his teammates.

With fans accustomed to him as a goal threat from midfield having Alli announced himself at Tottenham with an impressive tally of 35 goal contributions in his second season, he faced criticism from some quarters as the numbers dropped last season.

But Alli says he is now a more rounded midfielder and he wants to be judged on his overall contribution to the team.

“Obviously because of my first two seasons and the amount of goals and assists I managed to get, people expect that to be my game,” he told the club’s website.

“But as a midfielder, I don’t think that’s just what it’s all about. We have defensive work as well, making space for other players and getting goals and assists as well. That’s what I judge my game on.

“I do more for the team defensively. Maybe not getting as many goals and assists, but that’s not important to me. I make sure I help the team and try to keep my place in the starting eleven. I’m learning every year as a player and I feel more complete,” the 23-year-old said.