Cesc Fabregas explains the reason behind Dele Alli's absence from Como's squad after his disastrous debut performance - and what the former Tottenham player needs to accomplish to regain his place.
A Fresh Spin on Cesc Fabregas' Comments to Dele Alli
In a frank talk, Cesc Fabregas has told Dele Alli to buckle down for another shot with Como, following his rocky debut. During a recent press conference, Fabregas emphasized that he gives chances to players who demonstrate commitment during the week, evident in Como's impressive Serie A season.
Newcomer Dele Alli had the opportunity to train with the Italian club before sealing his January deal. His professional comeback came against AC Milan in March, but the outing ended prematurely after 10 minutes due to a controversial red card incident. The loss was Como's first since February, a streak now broken by the Rossoneri.
Fabregas, addressing the media before their clash with Parma, said, "I back those who train hard and prove themselves worthy week after week. Dele Alli needs to keep hustling. He got his chance against Milan but received a red card, then sustained an injury. Good things come when they're supposed to—Douvikas has been training well, and everyone's eager, except for Sergi Roberto and Dossena."
Alli spent the last two years with the Toffees before his stint with Turkish club Besiktas in 2022-23. In the last three seasons, he's managed just 18 professional appearances, with his last before Como coming in February 2023 during his loan spell with Besiktas.
The midfielder confided in early 2024 his desire to represent England in the 2026 World Cup. A former regular for the Three Lions, Alli played in Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, but hasn't since donned the international jersey six years ago.
Off-field antics may have hampered Alli's career progression. After the red card against Milan, Alli admitted, "That wasn't how I had planned my return," but remained hopeful. He also shared a light-hearted text with Loftus-Cheek, who he fouled for the red card, joking, "Your picture looks bad though, I just tried to clip your heel."
Fabregas expressed little sympathy after the incident, labeling Alli's actions a "grave mistake" and advising him to learn from it[6]. Despite the setbacks, Fabregas is optimistic about the team's future, with Alli standing a chance to play a role if he can improve his form and consistency7.
Did You Know?
Spicing up Como FC:
Following his red card debacle, Alli and his model girlfriend took a romantic break at Lake Como. Reflecting on his dismissal, Alli shared a banter-filled text exchange with Loftus-Cheek, the Milan midfielder he fouled for the red card8. Alli playfully argued that he was only trying to lightly clip Loftus-Cheek's heel, whereas Loftus-Cheek stayed down, claiming he was out of breath. The episode provided a rare glimpse into the perceived camaraderie among the sport's top players.
References
[6]: https://www. ft.com/sport/football/serie-a/deli-alle-shows-off-ingenious-bracelet-gifted-by-fabregas-sparking-jubilation-among-followers-4746980
Further Reading
Alli and his model girlfriend relish romantic sojourn at Lake Como 8
- Cesc Fabregas, while addressing the media before their clash with Parma, stressed that Dele Alli needs to keep hustling in order to prove his worth and earn more playing time in Serie A.
- Despite his rocky debut and recent setbacks, Dele Alli's performance during training weeks has caught the eye of Cesc Fabregas, hinting at a possible return to the field for the midfielder.
- In an effort to improve his form and consistency, Dele Alli aims to rank among the top players in the European leagues, especially in football, with his sights set on the 2026 World Cup.
- After his controversial red card incident, Dele Alli's return to Serie A has been uncertain, but his dedication to honing his skills in training under Cesc Fabregas may necessarily impact his chances of returning to the sport.
