Dele Alli Returns To Tottenham For North London Derby

Tottenham Hotspur have announced that former midfielder Dele Alli will return to the club this weekend as a special guest for the crucial North London Derby against Arsenal.

Alli, described by Spurs as “one of the most popular players in modern times,” will be back at N17 on Sunday and is scheduled to speak with pitch-side presenter Paul Coyle during half-time.

His return follows a recent trend of honouring stars from the highly successful Mauricio Pochettino era, with Jan Vertonghen also recently making an appearance before the fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Former captain Heung-min Son also made a celebrated return earlier in the season, contributing to a Champions League victory against Slavia Prague.

Dele Alli was a pivotal figure in many of Spurs’ most significant moments during his seven years in North London, playing alongside talents such as Vertonghen, Son, Harry Kane, and Christian Eriksen. He netted 67 goals in 269 appearances for the club.

Currently a free agent after departing Como at the end of last season, Alli previously had spells at Everton and Besiktas following his initial departure from Tottenham in early 2022.

This weekend’s fixture marks new manager Igor Tudor’s first match in charge, following the sacking of Thomas Frank. Spurs are currently embroiled in a relegation battle and are in urgent need of points. They sit five points clear of 18th-placed West Ham and two points ahead of Nottingham Forest in 17th.