Dion Dublin has expressed his shock at Leicester City’s dramatic decline in recent years, while backing former England international Dele Alli to reignite his career in the Football League with Barnet.
Reflecting on Leicester’s slump since their historic Premier League title triumph, the former Manchester United striker admitted it feels surreal to see the Foxes struggling after losing core players over successive seasons.
Leicester are currently 14th in the League One table after winning just two of their opening seven games, drawing three and losing two matches.
Leicester’s drop-off huge
“Leicester winning the league was huge. This drop-off has been huge as well. I never expected a club of Leicester’s size, with the players and quality they had, to drop like this,” Dublin said in a chat with BetVictor.
“Has each player who left taken away a bit of the quality and backbone they had before? It’s strange seeing them down there.
“I go back home, see my family, and there’s not so much chat about Leicester anymore.
“Their fans are still there, of course, and they are a big club, but they’ll just be wanting to get back where they belong.
Foxes belong in the top flight
“Where they belong is in the Premier League, and they’ll have to find their feet, focus on staying in this league, and do well for now.”
Turning his attention to Dele Alli’s search for a new club, Dublin urged the midfielder to step into the EFL with a side like Barnet – where Dublin played on loan early in his own career – to regain match sharpness and rediscover his love for the game.
“I would love to see Dele Alli back in [the] EFL, I really would. We all remember the goal against Palace, right? That quality is still there. He needs to start enjoying his footy again, he needs to be seen, and he needs to be loved,” Dublin explained.
“Having played for Barnet on loan from Cambridge a long time ago, I know they are the kind of club that gives people a chance and a bit of a leg-up.”
Alli still a quality player
Despite Alli’s recent career setbacks, Dublin remains convinced that the 29-year-old’s natural talent remains intact if he can secure regular game time.
“If Dele can get his head down and get 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 games in, he’ll rip it up,” Dublin added.
“That quality never leaves you.
“He’s got to look after his body, which he has been doing to keep fit, so the quality will always be there, without a doubt.”
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