Everton manager Frank Lampard has stated that he will assess new acquisition Dele Alli exclusively on his football ability, rather than his fashion sense, following Glenn Hoddle’s blistering criticism of the midfielder.
Hoddle was underwhelmed as he was introduced to the Goodison Park fans before Saturday’s FA Cup victory against Brentford, claiming he did not look the part.
Alan Brazil, the Talksport host, and former Scotland striker, also chastised Alli for arriving in a Rolls-Royce for his first training session at Finch Farm last week.
What Hoddle said About Alli :
“I didn’t like the way he walked out on the pitch with what he was wearing. I thought he’d just got dragged off the street, to be honest. Put a tracksuit on at least, or something,” Hoddle said.
Lampard responds:
“I’ve heard some of the reaction and I have a lot of respect for everyone who has spoken, ex-players, people who I respect and admire in Ally McCoist, Alan Brazil, Glenn Hoddle – I would never go against their word,” Lampard said.
“But when you are working closely with players and working with Dele, my personal opinion is that I don’t care what car he drives, what clothes he wears, as long as I get a lad that comes to training every day, wants to improve every day, respects the club and respects his team-mates, and then produces and gives everything to produce. Everyone is allowed their own opinion, but I can only deal with what’s in front of me. Dele and Donny van de Beek are both great lads.
“Maybe Donny wears an overcoat that is longer than Dele wears, and he has a different type of jacket, but it doesn’t bother me. As long as they produce on the pitch, then I’m very happy.
“Everyone has their own individual personality, and to try to handcuff or restrict that, I think, could be detrimental. As long as the players have the right behaviors when it comes to football and doing the right things, I have no worries.”
The two players might feature for the Toffees tonight when they play Newcastle United in the Premier League.
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