Everton manager Sean Dyche gave an honest, but fair assessment on the future of Dele Alli after he recently returned from his loan spell at Besiktas.
Alli arrived back in Merseyside last weekend for a review of his hip muscle injury – a knock sustained during his time at Besiktas that will reportedly rule him out for 10 weeks.
It has been a frustrating period for the former England regular, who had not played for the Turkish club since February 26.
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But it appears Sean Dyche is keen to give the 27-year-old another chance at Goodison Park, but urged Dele to "do the right thing" and rescue his Everton career after a lacklustre start to life at the Toffees.
In his latest press conference ahead of Everton's home clash against Fulham, Dyche was asked about the recent talks he had with Dele.
“[We spoke] about his injury, how he saw it. How he saw his time on loan and how he saw what he wants to do," he said.
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"First thing first is get the injury right. As regards football. Anything else is down to him. Some of it is common sense, do the right things and you know what the right things are.
“Some of the stuff that’s been reported… He’s 27. He knows (what) he should or shouldn’t be doing - as a manager, you can’t control everything they do in their lives. What am I meant to do? Follow him around every minute of every day they live their lives?
"You can only guide players with what’s good for them. Eventually, players have their own choices to make. Of course, you want them to make good choices. It’s going to take some time to get sorted out, so hopefully he uses this period wisely. And yes, I have spoken to him.”
Dyche also revealed that Dele has indicated he wants to get his career back on track.
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“I just got a sense that he wants to be back playing football and playing well. Decisions will be made over the next few days over whether he needs an op or not," he added.
“So there isn’t anything other than getting him fit. I’ve heard all the noise, I’ve heard all the opinions and I’m pretty sure that you’re aware that I like to make my own. But he needs to get fit.
Asked where the rehab will take place he said: “We are going to work that out between the clubs because in theory he is [a Besiktas] player contractually. He will get either full distant support if they really wanted to rehab, but they will probably be like ‘just carry on with that’ I would imagine.”
Kwizly Quiz
Thoughts on Dele Alli's career? Do you think he has a future at Goodison Park?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports Premier League/AlamyTopics: Dele Alli, Sean Dyche, Everton, Premier League
