Everton boss Frank Lampard responds to Dele Alli ‘dragged from street’ and Rolls Royce pundit criticism

Everton boss Frank Lampard has leapt to the defence of Dele Alli after he came in for criticism for the choice of his car and clothing from several pundits.

Alli joined the Toffees from Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer from January transfer deadline day last week.

The midfielder reportedly arrived at Everton’s USM Finch Farm training ground driving in a Rolls Royce - which he copped flak for from Alan Brazil and Ally McCoist on talkSPORT.

Meanwhile, Glenn Hoddle hit out at Alli for his outfit choice when brought onto the Goodison Park pitch at half-time of Everton’s 3-1 victory over Brentford in the FA Cup.

The former England boss said Alli looked like he’d been ‘dragged from the street’ when introduced to supporters along Manchester United loanee Donny van de Beek.

Lampard insists he couldn’t care less about either and knows Alli’s focused on delivering on the pitch.

He said: “I’ve heard some of the reaction. I have got a lot of respect for ex-players who I respect and admire - Ally McCoist, Alan Brazil and Glenn Hoddle.

“I would never go against their word but when you’re working close with players and Deli, my personal opinion is that I don’t care what car he drives, what clothes he wears - as long as I get a lad who comes to training everyday, wants to improve everyday, respects the club, respects his team-mates and then produce.

“The modern day, it’s moved on, it’s changed. We all have to be wary of that.

“I’m not hitting back at any observation because everyone is allowed an opinion but I can only deal with what’s in front of me.

“When I say Donny and Dele are great lads, I mean it. Maybe Donny wears an overcoat longer, Dele wears a different kind of jacket. That doesn’t bother me. As long as they produce on the pitch then I’m very happy.

“Everyone has their own personality. To try to handcuff or restrict that would be detrimental.

“As long as players’ have the right behaviour when it comes to football and doing the right things, I’ve got no worries.”