Liverpool Linked With £8m Move For The “Next Steven Gerrard” – Report

Scout report: MK Dons midfielder strongly linked with Liverpool move

Dele Alli: English wonderkid

Currently playing his trade in League One, Milton Keynes Dons midfielder Dele Alli is fast emerging as one of the most highly-rated English teenagers in the country, attracting major attention from several Premier League clubs and even German giants Bayern Munich. The club have already turned down two offers to take the much sought after wonderkid away from stadium mk, but many reports suggest Liverpool have agreed a £8m fee to sign this talented youngster, widely considered to be the most promising young and homegrown talent outside the Premier League.

Although the youngster has committed his future to the club by signing a three-year contract until 2017, the Dons appear to be fighting a losing battle to hold onto their star man for another season. So who is this young Englishman and what is all the hype about? Could we see him playing at the top level anytime soon?

Player profile

Club: Milton Keynes Dons

Born 11/04/1996 (18 years old)

Place of birth: Milton Keynes, England

Height: 6ft 2

Squad number: 14

Position: Defensive/Central/Attacking Midfield

2014-15 season stats

Total appearances: 13 (9 in League and 3 in League Cup)

Goals: 6 (all in league)

Assists: 2 (1 in League One and 1 in League Cup)

Yellow card(s): 2

Red Card(s): 0

Career

Alli joined his hometown club at youth level as an 11-year-old and made his first team debut for the club on 2 November 2012, aged just 16, coming on as a substitute in a 0-0 draw against Cambridge City in the FA Cup. His first senior goal for the club came in the replay at Cambridge, where he produced a stunning 35-yard strike in a 6-1 rout.

The midfielder has also represented England at U17, U18 and U19 level, making a total of 12 appearances for his country including one appearance for the U19’s against Germany U19, assisting England’s opening goal in a 1-1 draw.

His progress in a short time in the MK Dons first team has been phenomenal, initially breaking through into the first team in 2013/14 season and now establishing himself as one of the first names on the team sheet.

Performances this campaign have attracted further attention and recognition, netting six times in 13 appearances, including a superb hat-trick in a 6-1 drubbing against Crewe, already equalling his tally from last season where he made 33 appearances. After making a total of 54 appearances for the club, he has already scored 14 goals, which is very impressive and a great return considering he’s naturally a defensive midfielder.

Style of play

Despite playing in a holding/defensive midfield role, Alli has the energy to get forward on the attack and track back to great effect, meaning he virtually plays anywhere in the centre of the park. His positional awareness and the ease in the way he keeps possession for his team allows him to drive into space, drop off a pass, a shot, as well as being able to tackle well and an aerial threat. The energetic midfielder seeks to run the show in the middle, which was evident during his man of the match performance in a 4-0 Capital One Cup win over Manchester United.

Comparisons

The midfielder has been compared to his childhood hero Steven Gerrard and also dubbed the ‘English Messi’ by some. I’m sure those comparisons will be very flattering to him, but glimpses of him in action show just how much potential this teenager possesses.

Strengths

As well as being Physical and skilful, Alli is capable of playing all across the midfield, but mainly in a defensive or attacking role. Standing at 6ft 2, his main strengths are his physique and raw pace, something a lot of teams in League One haven’t been able to cope with this season. His composure on the ball and special awareness is excellent, but he also has the vision to pick out a killer pass, holds onto the ball under pressure and creates space he can to drive into or get a shot away.

Weaknesses

Alli has many qualities you need to play in central midfield and no major weakness, although one aspect of his game he can work on as he progresses as a player is choosing the right moments to break through on the attack and when to hold, as his youthful exuberance to get forward and join in on the attack can sometimes leave gaps in midfield when dispossessed.

Possible destinations

Anfield is the most likely destination as Rodgers looks for a long-term replacement for Steven Gerrard.  North London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal are also said to be keen,  as well as Everton, Chelsea and German champions Bayern Munich may also interest the youngster.

Prospects for the season

The League One outfit have made an impressive start early in the campaign and will aiming to at least be in contention for the play-offs at the end of the season. The Dons currently sit in fourth place, two points off an automatic promotion slot and six points behind early pacesetters Bristol City.

Verdict

According to MK Dons manager and former Liverpool Youth Coach Karl Robinson, Alli is one of the most exciting prospects he has even seen, even during his time in charge of Liverpool’s academy. The 18-year old has all the qualities to be a top central midfielder, and Liverpool could be a dream move for this wonderkid.  I’m sure we will see this youngster playing top-flight football in the near future.

BEST BITS: Deli Alli – Goals, Skills, Assists