‘He needs to be loved’ – Dublin backs Dele Alli to revive career at Barnet

Dion Dublin believes Dele Alli can resurrect his career at Barnet if he is given the chance to rediscover his confidence, enjoyment and love for football.

Alli’s career has suffered a dramatic decline since he established himself as one of England’s brightest young talents at Tottenham, where he won the PFA Young Player of the Year award twice.

The midfielder scored 67 goals in 269 appearances for Spurs, but his influence gradually diminished between 2018 and 2020 as injuries and declining form disrupted his progress.

A move to Everton in January 2022 failed to provide the expected revival. Alli managed just 13 appearances and 369 minutes for the Toffees before embarking on a succession of unsuccessful loan spells.

His latest setback came at Como, where he made his debut against AC Milan but was sent off just minutes after entering the game. His contract was subsequently terminated, leaving him without a club.

At 30, Alli is now attempting to find another route back into professional football.

Dublin believes Alli still has the quality

Alli has recently been training with semi-professional side Windsor & Eton while also working with Barnet as he seeks to regain his fitness and rebuild his career.

Dublin, who previously played for Barnet on loan from Cambridge United, believes the League Two club could offer Alli the environment he needs to begin that process.

“I would love to see Dele Alli back, I really would. We all remember the goal against Palace, right? That quality is still there. He needs to start enjoying his footy again, he needs to be seen, and he needs to be loved.”

Dublin’s reference to Alli’s famous goal against Crystal Palace reflects the remarkable ability that once made him one of the most exciting young players in European football.

The former Tottenham midfielder became renowned for his movement, timing and ability to arrive in dangerous areas, qualities that helped him establish himself at both club and international level.

However, those performances have become increasingly distant as Alli has struggled to maintain consistency and fitness.

‘If Dele can get his head down…’

Dublin believes a spell at Barnet could give Alli the opportunity to strip away the pressure surrounding his career and concentrate on playing football again.

Having experienced the club himself, the former England striker believes Barnet can provide the kind of supportive environment that could help the midfielder rebuild.

“Having played for Barnet on loan from Cambridge a long time ago, I know they are the kind of club that gives people a chance and a bit of a leg-up.”

For Dublin, Alli does not need to immediately reproduce the level he reached at Tottenham. Instead, he needs regular football and an opportunity to rebuild his confidence through consistent performances.

“If Dele can get his head down and get 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 games in, he’ll rip it up. That quality never leaves you. He’s got to look after his body, which he has been doing to keep fit, so the quality will always be there, without a doubt.”

Barnet could offer Alli a fresh start

A move to Barnet would represent a significant change in circumstances for Alli after years spent at some of England’s biggest clubs and a difficult spell in Italy.

Rather than being judged against his best years at Tottenham, he would have the opportunity to focus on getting minutes, finding rhythm and proving that he can still contribute at a competitive level.

The challenge now rests with Alli. After a career that once appeared destined for the very top, he must decide whether Barnet can provide the platform for one final revival.