'There is an incredible player in there' - Dele Alli sent classy message by Everton loanee Neal Maupay after revealing 2026 World Cup ambition

The pair played at Everton together last season before Dele departed on loan to Besiktas in January 2023. Dele subsequently took a break from the game with mental health issues after opening up about his harrowing childhood, while he has also been dealing with persistent injury problems. During an appearance on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, Dele spoke candidly about his recovery and his ambition to get back to a level to put himself in contention for the 2026 World Cup.

Maupay, who is currently on loan at Brentford and usually hits the headlines for winding up his fellow professionals, was among those moved by the interview and took to social media to offer his support.

Maupay said: "After everything Dele has been through, I would love to see him return to the top of his game. There is an incredible player in there. He seems in a much better place mentally which is great to see. Wish only the best for my guy."

There won't be anyone who disagrees with Maupay on this occasion. Dele's struggles have made for heartbreaking reading and if a player that burst on to the scene with MK Dons before forming a potent partnership with Harry Kane at Tottenham Hotspur can return to anywhere near the level that saw him represent England at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup it will be one of the best stories in sport.

While his former team-mate continues to recover from an injury that has hampered his comeback, Maupay and his Brentford colleagues will be looking to put any last relegation worries to bed when they travel to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town on Saturday afternoon.