Dele Alli’s performance in focus as Tottenham edge PSV Eindhoven

Dele Alli’s performance in focus as Tottenham edge PSV Eindhoven

Dele Alli returned from a hamstring problem to play the full 90 minutes of Tottenham’s 2-1 Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven.

The midfielder was back in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI after missing Saturday’s Premier League win at Wolves as a precaution.

Spurs captain Harry Kane earned the hosts victory with a second-half double after Luuk De Jong headed the Dutch side into the lead inside two minutes.

Here, Press Association Sport analyses Alli’s performance at Wembley.

Role

The 22-year-old was the most advanced of Spurs’ central midfield trio. Playing just ahead of Harry Winks and Christian Eriksen, Alli was tasked with supporting lone striker Kane, with Lucas Moura and Son Heung-min supplying the attacking width. With Spurs trailing, he regularly pushed on alongside England captain Kane.

Creativity

Dele Alli
Dele Alli (left) was bright on his return to Tottenham’s starting XI (Adam Davy/PA)

Defensive contribution

Although the former MK Dons man had limited defensive responsibility, he played a part in the away side’s second-minute opener. Alli was man-marking goal-scorer De Jong on the edge of the Spurs 18-yard box but was blocked off, allowing the PSV captain to rise unchallenged and nod home.

Goal threat

England international Alli could easily have claimed a first-half hat-trick. He saw a spectacular back-heeled flick headed off the line by PSV defender Angelino following a Davinson Sanchez knock-down and was denied twice from close range by Zoet having broken into promising positions.

Overall

Alli, who last week signed a new contract until 2024, endured a frustrating Tuesday evening. His performance was bright, yet he failed to influence the Group B clash at the key moments. He lost scorer De Jong for the Eredivsie champions’ goal and then failed to take advantage of a handful of presentable chances, before Kane revived Spurs’ hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.

– Advertisement –
– Advertisement –