Dele Alli - How Video Games RUINED England’s Biggest Wonderkid

Dele Alli was once considered one of the world's most valuable midfield transfers, hailed as the greatest English wonder kid since Wayne Rooney. He had a knack for scoring incredible goals, however, his career turned downward due to a combination of foolish and complicated reasons. His former manager, Jose Mourinho, expressed concerns about his potential being wasted due to his partying lifestyle. Mourinho: “ I have no doubts about your potential, you become a party boy and I think one day, I think you will regret it. I think you should demand more from you."

At one stage in his career, Dele Alli showed a strong passion for video games, especially Fortnite, possibly more so than football. This passion was evident in his celebrations on the field, and he even pursued a side career as an Esports professional, dedicating more time to streaming than to training in the gym or on the pitch. At one point, his addiction to Fortnite became so severe that it led to the end of his relationship, with his girlfriend breaking up with him due to his excessive gaming habits.

Looking back at the start of his career in 2014, it's clear that nobody could have predicted the extraordinary journey Dele Alli would go on. Beginning at his hometown club, Milton Keynes Dons, in League 1, the English third-tier division, he was relatively unknown compared to other rising stars. However, his talent was undeniable when he played a key role in his team's 4-0 victory over Manchester United in the League Cup, catching the attention of several Premier League clubs. Winning The League 1 Young Player of the Year award further solidified his potential. Alli then leaped Tottenham Hotspur, where he embarked on a remarkable ascent in the Premier League. His rise from a lesser-known player to a dominant force on the field was a testament to his dedication and talent.

Almost immediately, 19-year-old Dele Alli became a breakout star. Throughout the season, he made a remarkable impact with 21 goal contributions, including 10 goals and 11 assists, a feat that was particularly impressive for someone his age at that time. His rapid rise continued as he was called up to England's men's team and scored in his debut match. The season's standout moment came when he scored a spectacular goal, which many believed should have been nominated for the Puskas Award. Despite this snub, he rightfully won the Premier League Goal of the Season award. Alli's outstanding debut season was recognized with the PFA Young Player of the Year Award and inclusion in the Premier League Team of the Year as a teenager, cementing his status as a rising star in the football world.

In the subsequent 2016/2017 season, the 20-year-old player showed even more improvement in his game, delivering a total of 35 goal contributions with 22 goals and 13 assists. His stellar performance played a crucial role in Tottenham's highly successful season, which saw them finish in second place in the league. He scored important goals against top clubs, solidifying his status as a key player for the team. These outstanding contributions led to Dele Alli receiving back-to-back PFA Player of the Year Awards and earning consecutive placements in the Premier League Team of the Year, a feat achieved only by Wayne Rooney before him.

Following the signing of a lucrative six-year extension with the club that was meant to secure his future until 2024, Dele Alli's performance began to decline. His progress was further hampered by a series of injuries, with him suffering four separate injuries over the next 18 months. These injuries, which included hamstring issues, thigh strains, and a broken hand, led to him missing a total of 23 matches during the 2018/19 season, amounting to 103 days out due to injury. It was during these periods of recovery that Dele Alli's video game addiction began to escalate.

His focus on streaming grew. It was during this stint that he started to prioritize his gaming habits over his passion for football, an interest that had been put on hold due to injuries. With over a hundred days of free time due to his physical setback, it's no wonder he turned to video games as a form of entertainment. However, it seemed that his obsession with games like Fortnite may have crossed the line. As we will later discover, Dele Alli's past traumas contributed to his susceptibility to addictive behavior.

We sincerely hope for the best for him. He had a truly remarkable and unique playing style, with incredible touch and finishing skills. Unfortunately, he had to undergo surgery for a long-term groin injury and has been away from football for over 300 days. On a positive note, he is only 28 years old, still relatively young. He has expressed his passion and eagerness to get back on the field, stating that his desire to play is stronger than ever. If he can regain his commitment and discipline post-recovery, there's a possibility we may witness the return of the prime Deli Alli we once knew.