Frank Lampard Defends Dele Alli After Bizarre Jibe From Former Tottenham Manager

Everton manager Frank Lampard has stuck up for Dele Alli after his new signing was criticized for his choice of clothing over the weekend.

Dele and fellow January arrival Donny van de Beek were paraded in front of Everton fans at half-time in Saturday's 4-1 win over Brentford.

Both players wore a blue and white club scarf, but Van de Beek opted for a long and fairly formal jacket, while Dele went for more casual attire, including a pair of jeans.

For some reason, this got the attention of former Tottenham and England manager Glenn Hoddle, who recently dressed as an extravagant clock for TV show 'The Masked Singer'.

Dele had found himself out of favor at Spurs towards the end of his time there, having been a key player for both club and country between 2016 and 2019.

His move to Everton to link up with new boss Lampard is seen by many as a dream opportunity for him to rediscover top form.

Hoddle himself believes a move to Goodison Park could be great for Dele... as long as he changes his fashion sense.

Dele Alli pictured being paraded at Goodison Park on Saturday after signing for Everton from Spurs

IMAGO/Peter Byrne

"There's a route back for him if he gets his boots back on and gets his head down," Hoddle told BT Sport, in quotes that were picked up by The Express.

"I didn't like the way he walked out on the pitch with what he was wearing."

Hoddle added: "I thought he'd just got dragged off the street to be honest.

"If I'm an Everton fan, you're going to a new club. Put a tracksuit on at least or something.

"He's got to get his head together. It's not about Frank Lampard or Everton, he's got to get back on the horse he's good at, scoring goals from midfield.

"If he doesn't do that, I don't see anyone getting the best from him."

Hoddle is not the only person from the football world to have a dig at Dele recently.

Former Scotland stars Alan Brazil and Ally McCoist on their radio show questioned Dele's choice of car after he was seen driving to training in a Rolls Royce.

Lampard name-checked Hoddle, McCoist and Lampard as he stuck up for his new player.

"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 began diplomatically, as quoted by Sky Sports.

"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, respects his team-mates and then produces and gives everything to produce.

"The modern-day has moved on, it's changed, we all have to be aware of that, and I'm not hitting back at any observation because everyone is allowed their own opinion but I can only deal with what is in front of me.

"And what I've just mentioned, that Dele and Donny are both great lads, I mean it."

The pair could make their Everton debuts on Tuesday night when Lampard takes his team to Newcastle United in the Premier League.