Dele Alli, once hailed as one of the brightest talents to emerge from English football, is now facing significant challenges as he attempts to restart his career with Italian Serie A side Como. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Everton midfielder is yet to make his debut for Como, with coach Cesc Fabregas offering concerning insights on the player’s continued absence from the pitch.
Alli, who joined Como last month on a free transfer, has been sidelined for over 18 months due to injuries and personal struggles. These setbacks have severely impacted his ability to play competitively, and Fabregas has made it clear he intends to take his time with Alli’s rehabilitation. Following his side's recent 2-0 victory over Fiorentina, Fabregas stated, "He’s working off the pitch at the moment. I don’t want to put extra pressure on him, he hasn’t played for months. From tomorrow he will be at full capacity with the group, after the personalised work of the last few weeks." This statement underlines the faith Fabregas has in Alli’s potential to return to form but also the recognition of the hurdles he needs to overcome first.
Touted as one of the most promising young players during his rise at Tottenham, where he played under Mauricio Pochettino, Alli's plight has evoked sympathy among Spurs fans who fondly recall his exhilarating performances. Trouble began to brew during his tenure at Everton, where he was unable to secure regular playing time, grappling instead with physical and mental roadblocks.
Fabregas emphasized patience, expressing his intention not to rush Alli’s comeback, noting the importance of not overwhelming him. “He needs time, I spoke to him and I was clear with him: we are here to help him. We believe we can do it. We need patience to see him back on the pitch: please, let’s stay calm,” he added. This reflects the supportive atmosphere at Como, providing the player with the necessary time and environment to heal and regain his fitness.
Despite optimism from his new manager, the reality remains tough for Dele Alli. His last competitive appearance came as far back as mid-2022, marking the end of his time with Everton. The club parted ways with him after having initially taken to training with them following recovery from surgery to address groin issues. This period without play has been compounded by reported psychological issues, placing him under undue stress.
For Alli, getting fit isn't just about physical readiness; it's about restoring confidence after facing numerous setbacks. Fabregas noted, "The last few months will be used to get back in shape for next season,” emphasizing the long-term view he is taking with the player.
Indeed, Tottenham fans remain hopeful, unwilling to give up on the young boy who had once lit up their season with his creativity and flair. His move to Como was seen as not just another chapter but potentially his chance for redemption and resurgence. The goodwill from Spurs supporters is palpable, all wishing for him to conquer his struggles and return to the form they once adored.
With Fabregas backing him, the future may yet hold brighter days. The Italian club appears committed to helping Alli reclaim his best self, allowing him the space he needs to navigate this difficult period. But as he heads back to be integrated with his teammates, the clock ticks — will he be ready to shine once again, maybe not this season, but perhaps next, symbolizes hope for both Dele and those fans who believe he still has much to offer the beautiful game.