Dele Alli is taking inspiration from the "I want what's coming to me" mentality adopted by Tony Montana in the iconic Al Pacino film 'Scarface', with the former Tottenham, Everton and Como midfielder working through his latest comeback bid. The 29-year-old finds himself without a club and back in the free agent pool after seeing a forgettable stint in Italian football cut surprisingly short.
Dele sent off on only appearance since February 2023
Ex-England international Dele only agreed a move to Como late in December 2024, with his contract having run down at Goodison Park. Injuries blighted his spell on Merseyside, with the Toffees unable to see the best of a man that was once considered to be one of the finest young talents on the planet.
A sorry loan spell in Turkey with Besiktas failed to see Dele reignite a lost spark, and he has made just one competitive appearance since February 2023. That solitary outing lasted less than 10 minutes after picking up a red card on debut for Como – with his bow off the bench against AC Milan being cut short.
Cesc Fabregas appeared to be willing to give Dele time to find his feet in Serie A, but his contract was terminated in September. Inevitable questions have been asked of what happens next for the one-time Spurs star. He cannot live on past reputation forever, with current ability needing to be showcased in order to earn another opportunity.
AdvertisementDele headed to Asia for training in tropical surroundings
For now, that means working through an individual training programme. Dele has decided to escape Europe in a bid to get himself back on track, with the call made to head for tropical conditions in Bali. Picturesque surroundings there should help to provide inspiration.
Dele has shared videos and pictures from his time in Indonesia on social media. He is looking to work and play hard, with plenty of effort being put in on the grass before relaxing away from it. A man with 37 international caps to his name has lost none of his shooting prowess, with some impressive strikes being recorded during finishing drills.
Dele’s latest video starts by running over the top of a memorable clip from the movie Scarface in which Pacino’s character says: "I want what’s coming to me." After being asked what that is, Montana responds with: "The world and everything in it." Dele clearly believes that he has what it takes to get back to the very highest level.
Those working alongside him are also buying into that belief, with individual coach Jazzi – who is aiding Dele’s cause in Asia – saying in a social post of his own: "Silent grind – working hard in the background, unseen, then stepping back into the spotlight better prepared."
Is Dele capable of getting his career back on track?
When asked if Dele is capable of starring again, former Leeds and Chelsea defender Tony Dorigo – who spent time in Italy with Torino during his playing days – told GOAL: "It’s all up to his appetite, simple as that. When you have played at a certain level and suddenly you can’t get anywhere near that, can you keep going? Can you keep putting yourself through those pre-seasons? Do you still love the game? Only he can decide that."
Ex-Italy international Roberto Di Matteo – who was MK Dons manager at a time when Dele was working through their academy system – went on to tell GOAL after seeing Como part company with the two-time PFA Young Player of the Year: "From the outside it’s difficult to make an assessment. I don’t know what’s going on with him personally.
"He was at such a high and somehow, something changed with him in his personal life. It’s difficult. It’s just a shame that we have lost one of the young, bright, English talents. I don’t know what he needs to climb up the ladder again. It’s difficult. I just wish he finds it as soon as possible so he can enjoy his football, his life again, and have a good time."
Wrexham and Swansea links but no contract offer for Dele
It has previously been claimed that Dele may have to step back into the EFL ranks in order to move on to the Premier League again. There was talk of Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac showing interest at Wrexham, with Swansea – who now count Snoop Dogg and Luka Modric among their investors – also said to be mulling over an approach. No deal has been done, with Dele having to be patient in pursuit of another fresh start.
