Rio Ferdinand has issued a verbal shake-down to Tottenham star Dele Alli and urged the midfielder to take what could be his final chance in north London, under new manager Antonio Conte.
Alli is slowly slipping into obscurity at Tottenham and playing fewer games, to the point where he could not make the squad for Carabao Cup matches under previous manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Alli's alarming dip in form has seen him fall into international no-man's land with his position in the England senior squad now long since gone, but Ferdinand feels all hope is not lost.
Speaking this week on his FIVE podcast, Ferdinand was joined by football reporter Fabrizio Romano to discuss, among other items, All's future in the game.
Speaking passionately about the 25-year-old, Ferdinand said: 'I’m sure Dele will be sitting there going, "I’ve got to get it right this time".
'Conte, he doesn’t suffer fools, he doesn’t accept standards that are below what he sets. So I’m sure this is again a great opportunity.
'He’s now got a manager who’s going to have huge demands, be demanding of him constantly every day. And that might be the turning point for Dele,' Ferdinand added.
The sentiments of the Manchester United legend were echoed by guest speaker Romano, who offered a measure of insight and claimed that sources close to Spurs had told him that Conte had left the door open for Alli.
The Italian boss is said to be willing the midfielder to succeed in his side, but is insisting he must prove himself.
Alli started the season with six starts in the Premier League, yet fell of favour under Santo.
He was only on the pitch for 17 minutes in the top flight after being taken off at half-time of the North London derby, and has cut a minority figure ever since.