Antonio Conte gives damning Dele Alli Everton verdict ahead of Tottenham Hotspur reunion

Antonio Conte has predicted that Dele Alli's career will go 'down, not up' as he prepares to face Tottenham Hotspur with Everton.

The midfielder was once regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in world football. He helped Spurs to the Champions League final in 2019 and played a significant role when England reached the World Cup semi-finals the previous year.

But Alli's career stuttered in the capital and he dropped well down the pecking order.

The 25-year-old was allowed to join the Toffees on January transfer deadline day - for an initial free transfer.

Alli now heads back to his former club when Everton travel to Tottenham tonight (20.00).

And Spurs boss Conte has claimed that every player who he's sold in the past has not gone on to better things in their career.

“I don’t remember a player that when he went away, came back with a great spirit of revenge,” said Conte.

“Honestly, I don’t remember one. During my coaching, I always try to be honest with the players and give all the players the possibility to show me that they deserve to play.

“I don’t remember a player that had their revenge with me.

“What happens usually is that when players went away they went down, not up.”

Alli has made four appearances since arriving at Everton - all from the substitutes’ bench.

He was unavailable for last Thursday’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat of Boreham Wood as he was cup-tied.