What Does The Future Hold For Dele Alli?

I bet everyone reading this thinks that Christian Eriksen is the best midfielder on Spurs. I think Eriksen is a phenomenal player don't get me wrong but I love Dele Alli. The worst part about it? I love Dele on Spurs. It just feels right and with Eriksen hinting at an exit this summer, it's time for Dele to step up.

The 23-year-old English midfielder's value is set at approximately £106 million according to the CIES Football Observatory (HITC). That's quite a chunk of money for a player who only recorded 5 goals and 3 assists in premier league play last season wouldn't you say? (premierleague.com). Maybe, but I don't think so. Like Eriksen, Alli has the ability to have play flow through him meaning he can dictate play. Alli has the ability to take over any game and although his stats weren't very impressive this season, I have no doubt that he'll bounce back.

So what if Eriksen stays at Spurs? Does that mean Dele's production will suffer again? I think so. Selling Eriksen would be a huge blow to Spurs but it would generate an immense amount of funds in which Spurs could use to their advantage. There are numerous positions that are in dire need of revamping at Tottenham and attacking mid isn't one of them. Alli would simply fall into Eriksen's role and with the emergence of Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko, the void would practically be filled overnight without having to spend a penny. Yes, Tottenham will be losing their top playmaker but his departure would provide Alli with the ability to grow and play a role that suits him better.

So let's assume that Eriksen stays at Spurs (which I think he will). Should Alli try to force his way out of Spurs? He'll be forced to play more a defensive role with Eriksen sitting under Harry Kane in the #10 role. Or, he'll be forced to play more of a wide role. Alli can be effective in both positions but he's most effective in the #10 role in my opinion. Like I said earlier, he has the ability to dictate play and you want someone like that playing under a striker unless they're a defensive midfielder. So should Alli leave? And if he were to leave where would he go? Here's what I think.

Personally, I think Spurs would be stupid to sell Alli and not Eriksen and although there's no chance they sell Dele this summer, it doesn't hurt to speculate.

Arsenal

It hurts to say this but Arsenal would be a perfect fit for Dele. The Gunners are in dire need of an attacking midfielder considering Mesut Ozil was borderline useless last season. Although Arsenal has no way to pay for the services of Dele, signing him would be huge and having him play with Alexander Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would make for a devastating attack. Perhaps not this summer, but Dele would be perfect at Arsenal given their current needs.

Bayern Munich

The German giants have recently let James Rodriguez return to Madrid as his loan-spell has come to a close. Not signing him to a permanent deal leaves them in a bit of a hole at attacking mid. Thomas Muller saw extensive minutes in the role but he's best utilized as a forward. Dele could easily fill the void at attacking mid for Bayern and with young wingers, Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman, on his flanks, Dele could prove to be extremely valuable to Bayern. Unlike Arsenal, Bayern could definitely pay for Alli's services and this would be a great investment for them as well as a great move for Dele.

Outside of those two teams, I don't see Dele going anywhere. I also don't want to spend a lot of time speculating on potential landing spots for a player that will definitely not be sold this summer. Regardless, the Dele's future is extremely bright and I just want the best for him because he's one of my favorite players. Whatever the future has in store for him, I'm sure he can handle it. I think he's going to have a big season next year.