Micah Richards sends Dele Alli warning after Everton chance

Micah Richards has shared his excitement over Dele Alli’s move to Everton - but also provided the midfielder with a cautionary tale.

Alli arrived as Frank Lampard’s second signing at Goodison on deadline day on a two-and-a-half year deal from Tottenham Hotspur.

Having struggled to maintain his earlier world-class standards in recent seasons, he comes to Everton in search of a fresh challenge.

Richards has lauded Alli’s ability and spoke highly of the move but believes there are now “no excuses” for the 25-year-old.

“Of all the deals that were done in the hours before the transfer window closed, none excited me more than Dele joining Everton,” Richards wrote in his column for the Daily Mail .

“What an opportunity this is — he must grab it with both hands.

“There are no excuses now. Frank Lampard has shown a huge amount of faith, offering him a chance at a club with a great pedigree, and he will be such a positive influence.

“Few were better at scoring from midfield than Everton’s new manager and Dele must learn from him every day.

“If he does that, I don’t think his dreams of playing for England again are over.”

Perhaps the most poignant element in Richards’ assessment of Alli is the comparison that the former Manchester City captain has made with his own career.

Blood Red: Impact Luis Diaz Signing Will Have On Liverpool Front Three

Blood Red: Sean Dyche Speaks Out About Five Substitutions

Blood Red: "Luis Diaz is EXCEPTIONAL!" | Jurgen Klopp Press Conference | Liverpool vs Cardiff City

Blood Red: Luis Diaz First Look As £49m Signing Visits Kirkby After Completing Liverpool Move

Blood Red: Harvey Elliott Steps Up First Team Return | Liverpool Train Ahead Of Cardiff City

Frank Lampard Gives Thanks To North