Alex Iwobi has now shared an insight into Everton teammate Dele Ali, particularly with regards to the 27-year-old’s habits in training.
Iwobi reveals that Dele was ‘a joke’ in training, as his natural ability shined through, though he struggled to complete drills, perhaps suggesting issues with his fitness.
Speaking on the FilthyFellas YouTube channel, Iwobi reflects on the final half of the 2021/22 campaign when Everton, then managed by Frank Lampard, avoided relegation on the penultimate game of the season.
Dele joined Everton from Spurs in January 2022 on a structured deal whereby the Blues acquired the player for free, with £10m paid to Spurs after 20 appearances, with a potential £30m extra in add-ons contingent on team and individual achievements.
However, Dele underwhelmed at Goodison Park and missed an opportunity to revitalize a stalling career.
Iwobi said of his teammate: “When it comes to training matches, he (Dele) is a joke. When it comes to drills – he tries, but because he’s slow with it. When it comes to games, he will score and assist or something.
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It was hard for him to play. If you’re not just doing it in training, and at the time, the manager needed reliable players. He couldn’t really put his trust in him. We all know Dele could have performed.”
Iwobi revelations about Ali disappointing as he had a chance to shine at Everton
Dele is yet to play under Everton manager Sean Dyche following his January appointment as the 27-year-old has spent this season on loan at Turkish side Besiktas.
However, Dele’s loan at the Istanbul side was cancelled in April due to an injury, though manager Senol Gunes had previously admitted that the player performed ‘below expectations’.
Dele’s future now remains unclear, but one thing is for certain, the once prodigious player has wasted a chance to become a hero at Goodison Park.