Everton manager Sean Dyche has been backed to give Dele Alli the "kick up the backside" he needs to get his career back on track.
The midfielder has only made 13 appearances for Everton since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2021. However, he had an injury-hit loan spell with Besiktas last season after joining on loan.
The former Spurs star arrived in Turkey amid much fanfare last August in a bid to revive his career after struggling to make an impact at Goodison Park. But he managed just 15 appearances in all competitions before returning home.
The midfielder is now facing a crucial summer after returning to Everton, and former England international Danny Murphy believes Blues boss Dyche could be the man to transform the 27-year-old's fortunes.
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Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: "I'd say yes. He won't take any nonsense, but he'll also help him a little bit.
"I'm not suggesting you have to do one or the other all the time. I think Sean Dyche's got it in him to occasionally put his arm around him and help him along.
"My gut feeling is where Dele Alli's come from, what I've heard about the upbringing he's had, and the type of lad he is, I do think he needs a bit of love.
"But I think more importantly, he needs a ruthless manager who's going to really push him and kick him up the backside."
Dyche, speaking back in April, claimed Dele wanted to revive his fading fortunes, but the Blues now face an expensive decision around the midfielder’s future. The 27-year-old has a year remaining on his contract, but the Goodison Park club have to pay Tottenham £10m once he makes 20 appearances, and he is currently on 13.
