Dele Alli on EXCEL and their new FIFA side: “I want to help the team as much as I can”

Spurs and England midfielder, Dele Alli, was brought on as a global brand ambassador for EXCEL Esports back in November of last year but with the British esports organisation’s move into FIFA 22 with an all-English roster, it feels like his expertise will be needed now more than ever.

Speaking at the unveiling of Spencer “Gorilla” Ealing and Tom “Tom” Leese, a former world champion and the latter an ePremier League champion, Dele spoke about what it means to be a part of EXCEL and what he aims to bring to the table.

“It means a lot to me. I am really into my gaming and it’s a great opportunity for me to come and learn,” said Dele, adding: “I want to try and help the team as much as I can.”

While that response may seem like a player still finding his feet in the esports space, it didn’t take long for Dele’s competitive drive -- a drive that saw him twice awarded the PFA’s Young Player of the Year -- to shine through, that being when he realised he was 80-rated in the new FIFA, a two-point drop from last year’s rating.

“I am kinda on a FIFA strike because of my rating!” joked Dele. “Usually I am not that bothered but this one… I am not an 80!”, the Spurs midfielder added.

• Read more: EXCEL Esports completes the “biggest FIFA transfer signing” ever, signing Tom Leese

Dele is one of many footballers that have partnered with esports organisations over the last few years, just counting England teammates; Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Harry Maguire (both Semper Fortis Esports) and Jesse Lingard (JLINGZ) are all involved in esports one way or another. With that said, it begs the question of whether the on-pitch rivalry has translated to esports yet? 

Dele thinks it's only a matter of time:

“It’s still early days, we haven’t had that much banter yet but it will come.”

Featured image courtesy of EXCEL.