Everton midfielder Dele Alli's decline is "sad" to see although Frank Lampard could still rediscover his "world class" ability, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Alli arrived at Goodison Park in January hoping to get his career back on track, but his first start for the Toffees didn't arrive until their dead rubber defeat on the final day at Arsenal on Sunday.

What's the latest news involving Alli?

It's been a frustrating few years for the England international, who's drop off in quality is highlighted by the fact he hasn't been capped by his country for almost three years.

Since then, Alli has been trying to revive his career, although he's been mainly a substitute over the best part of two seasons.

As a result, the 26-year-old has started just 16 Premier League games since the beginning of the 2020-2021 campaign, registering just one goal and one assist during that period.

Even with a change of scenery, Alli's fortunes haven't improved, and after making just one start for Frank Lampard's side, he's already been linked with a summer move away from Merseyside.

What did O'Rourke say about Alli?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "It's quite sad to see what has happened to Dele Alli.

"We all know there's a world class player in there, we've seen it before at Tottenham, so I'm sure if Frank Lampard can tap into that and get the best out of Dele Alli, then he would be a great player for Everton going forward, but it's a huge summer for him."

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Does Alli have a future at Everton?

Heading into what's likely to be a crucial transfer window for the club, at this present moment it's tough to see Alli staying beyond this summer.

Not only has he offered next to nothing on the pitch, but the Toffees don't start paying for his services until he's made at least 20 appearances. And with the ex-MK Dons star nine short of that number, it could work against him.

TEAMtalk reported recently that Everton are already open to selling him when the window reopens for business, with the Toffees hierarchy reluctant to pay the first £10m payment – that will be required when he plays 20 games – for a player who's contributed next to nothing on the pitch.

Therefore, it's difficult to see Alli still being an Everton player by the time the summer window shuts.