Dele Alli has raised hopes he can rekindle his career at Besiktas after making a promising debut for his new club.
Alli joined the Turkish side on a season-long loan from Everton last week after failing to impress at Goodison Park, following his free transfer from Tottenham in January.
The England international was given a hero’s reception when he arrived in Turkey, with hundreds of supporters greeting him on his arrival in Istanbul.
He was handed another confidence boost on Monday when he was named in the starting line-up for Besiktas’ Super Lig match against Sivasspor at Vodafone Park.
It was only the third time this year that the midfielder had been named in a starting line-up, with each of his starts being for a different club – Tottenham, Everton and now Besiktas.
Alli will be hoping he can rediscover his best form in Turkey after a disappointing decline in recent years.
He immediately endeared himself to Besiktas supporters with a sublime piece of skill just three minutes into his debut for the club. Check it out below.
After picking up the ball in midfield, Alli turns and nutmegs opposition player Charilaos Charisis.
He then shows impressive pace to race clear of his opponent before being hacked down by the Greek midfielder.
The moment was a reminder of the talent that Alli possesses and showed on a regular basis during his early years at MK Dons and Tottenham.
Alli would go on to play 78 minutes in the match before being substituted for Kerem Atakan late in the game.
Besiktas would win the game 3-1, thanks to a goal from Wout Weghorst – on loan from Championship side Burnley – and a brace from Jackson Muleka.
Valerien Ismael’s side are now top of the Super Lig, ahead of closest rivals Gaziantep on goal difference.
Alli will be hoping to continue his promising start when his new side travel to face Ankaragucu on Sunday.
