Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has said that he believes Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho is making an example of Dele Alli in north London.
Alli, who has been linked with a move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain recently following former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino's appointment in France, has been restricted to just 11 appearances in all competitions this season, with just four of those coming in the Premier League.
With Alli's fortunes showing no signs of changing, especially when Spurs are being linked with a move for RB Leipzig attacking-midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, it appears likely that the former MK Dons man's time at Spurs could be drawing to a close.
With that in mind, Hasselbaink, who returned to management last week, returning to League One outfit Burton Albion, has revealed that he felt the exact same way under Mourinho during his time at Stamford Bridge.
“Mourinho wanted to use me as an example, that’s how he managed,” Hasselbaink told the Mail. "He wanted to show that he could let big players go. I was still top scorer, even though two really good strikers had signed that season.
“Mourinho wanted to show who was boss, and I was the one he used. Yes, Chelsea then won the league, but I could have added to the team that year.
“But Mourinho has always done that. He’s doing it now with Dele Alli at Spurs. That’s how he manages, that’s how he gets success, you can’t fault him.”
Last season, Alli was a key figure in Spurs' ranks, racking up 38 appearances in all competitions. Despite that, though, this season has not planned out similarly, with his opportunities proving limited.
In 11 outings this term, Alli has scored two goals and claimed one assist.
