Clare on Alli comparisons: I dribble more and I am more direct
HEARTS new-boy Sean Clare has vowed to take inspiration from Dele Alli after drawing comparisons with the England superstar.
The Jambos completed a major transfer coup by snapping up the highly-rated 21-year-old, fighting off a swathe of suitors south of the border following his decision to reject the offer of an extended contract at Sheffield Wednesday. The explosive midfielder gained rave reviews during a loan stint at Gillingham last term before returning to Hillsborough in January and playing five games for his parent club – finding the net against Aston Villa.
Clare’s languid look, direct running and desire to get into the box has prompted comparisons with Alli – Tottenham were even credited with an interest in the player – and, although not a tag he would give himself, it is a flattering one.
“I’ve had that comparison with Dele Alli – but I’ve never said it,” he smiled. “I think it’s potentially because we look fairly similar.
“I can see why people have said it because we have a similar running style and we both like to get involved in goals and assists. I probably dribble a lot more with the ball and I am more direct than him but I definitely look at his games to take bits from it that I feel can improve my game.
“I’m very direct, a lot of taking players on, but obviously not too much. The team’s more important. I think I can bring a very direct nature, goals and assists from set pieces or within the game.”