Dele Alli sent a defiant message to his critics at Besiktas by ‘hushing’ fans after marking his return to the starting line-up with a goal.
The midfielder, currently on loan from Everton, found the back of the net in a 3-0 win over Alanyaspor.
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And he light-heartedly hushed the club’s supporters after the match.
It wasn’t just his goal that attracted plaudits, though.
The former Tottenham ace put in an all-action midfield display, boasting an 80 per cent pass accuracy, making two interceptions, winning six out of eight tackles and three of his four aerial duels.
As well as being just his second league goal since moving on loan to Turkey, Alli was making just his third appearance since October after falling out of favour under head coach Senol Gunes.
However the 26-year-old certainly made his mark as he found the back of the net, before wheeling off to celebrate in front of Besiktas’ delirious supporters.
Joined by a teammate, Alli celebrated by sitting on the floor with his fingers in his ears, a clear message to those who have criticised him over recent months.
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The former England international has endured a difficult time of late.
After joining Everton last year, Alli made 13 appearances but failed to impress as he was unable to recreate the goalscoring form he showed at Tottenham.
As a result he was allowed to leave the club to join Besiktas on a season-long loan last summer, but he quickly fell down the pecking order and it left his future at the club in doubt.
It was suggested that the Turkish side could look to terminate his loan deal and send him back to Goodison Park during the January transfer window, leaving his career at a major crossroads.
However, football fans, and Alli himself, will be hopeful that this performance can be the start of the attacking midfielder’s return to his former glory where he proved himself as one of the most talented players in the English set-up.
