Dele Alli is training with Como. The clubless midfielder was spotted a few weeks ago in the stands of the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia. Coach Cesc Fàbregas mentioned at the time that there was a possibility the Englishman would join the squad.
Embed from Getty Images
Dele Alli's return to the footballing spotlight has taken an interesting turn, as the former England international is now training with Serie A club Como.
This development was confirmed by Como head coach Cesc Fàbregas during a press conference on Saturday. “He’s doing well; he’s training with us. It was a request from the club. We want to help him regain his form and confidence,” Fàbregas explained. The Spanish coach, himself a former world-class midfielder, praised Alli’s talent and reflected on their past encounters on the pitch. “He was a fantastic player, and I’ve played against him many times. So if I can help him, I’m happy to do so,” he added.
While this collaboration may seem promising, Fàbregas was quick to temper expectations. He clarified that Alli’s presence at the club is strictly limited to training for the time being, with no discussions about a formal contract. This arrangement, however, underscores Como's willingness to support the midfielder, who has faced significant challenges in recent years. Fàbregas and the club recognize that Alli’s road back to competitive football may be long and complex.
The last time Alli appeared in an official match was in February 2023, during his loan spell at Turkish side Besiktas. Since then, his career has been on hold, a stark contrast to his earlier days when he was regarded as one of England's brightest young talents. Como’s willingness to provide a training environment reflects the club's broader ambitions and its belief in nurturing talent, even under unconventional circumstances.
Currently sitting sixteenth in Serie A, Como is in the thick of a relegation battle. The team has an important match against Lecce on Monday, a game that could prove pivotal in their fight for survival. While Alli will not feature in the squad for this fixture, his presence at training sessions has generated a buzz around the club. For fans and players alike, having a player of Alli’s caliber involved, even on a temporary basis, offers a glimmer of hope and inspiration.
Alli’s journey has been anything but conventional. Born in Milton Keynes, England, he began his career at MK Dons, quickly attracting attention for his technical ability and footballing intelligence. His big break came in 2015 when he joined Tottenham Hotspur. Under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, Alli flourished, becoming a key figure in a Spurs side that regularly competed at the top of the Premier League and in the Champions League. At his peak, Alli was known for his dynamic style of play, combining creativity, goal-scoring prowess, and an uncanny ability to arrive in the box at the perfect moment.
He earned widespread acclaim, winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award twice and establishing himself as a regular for the England national team. Alli was a key part of England’s squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals. However, his meteoric rise was soon followed by an equally dramatic decline.
Over the past few years, Alli has struggled to maintain his form and fitness. Reports have suggested that mental health challenges have played a significant role in his downturn, as he grappled with the pressures of professional football and personal difficulties. His struggles were compounded by inconsistent performances, leading to reduced playing time at Tottenham and eventual moves to Everton and Besiktas. Unfortunately, neither move provided the fresh start he needed. Alli’s time at Everton was marred by injuries and a lack of impact, while his loan to Besiktas ended prematurely amid mutual frustration.
As of July 2024, Alli has been without a club, leaving his future in limbo. Despite his challenges, the football world has not forgotten his immense talent. Many still hold out hope that the 27-year-old can rediscover the form that once made him one of the most exciting players in the Premier League. Como’s decision to offer Alli a chance to train could be a small but meaningful step toward that goal.
For Como, hosting a player of Alli’s stature even if temporarily highlights the club’s ambition. Situated in the picturesque city of Como, the club has been striving to establish itself in Italian football. While their immediate focus is on avoiding relegation, their longer-term goals include building a reputation as a team capable of attracting high-profile players and developing talent.
Alli’s training stint at Como has drawn attention from fans and media alike, sparking debates about whether he can revive his career. For now, though, the focus remains on helping the player rebuild his confidence and physical fitness. As Fàbregas put it, “We want to help him regain his form and confidence.” Whether this opportunity leads to a more permanent arrangement or serves as a stepping stone for Alli remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: Dele Alli’s story is far from over. From his days as a prodigy lighting up the Premier League to his struggles with mental health and form, his journey has been a rollercoaster. Como’s gesture of support may not solve all his challenges, but it offers a glimmer of hope for a player whose talent once captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. Time will tell if this chapter marks the beginning of a comeback or another fleeting moment in a career filled with highs and lows.
Updated: 07:38, 28 Dec 2024
