‘Not much between the two’: The Portsmouth star compared to Neymar after giving Millwall 'torrid' time
Millenic Alli has registered one goal and one assist in his eight outings for Pompey since his summer move.
There is not much between Millenic Alli and Neymar based on current form.
Those are the surprising thoughts of George Elek from the reputable Not The Top 20 podcast, who have sung the Luton Town loanee’s praises after his latest Pompey display.
Alli has been a central figure in the Blues’ attack in recent weeks, netting one goal and providing one assist in his eight Championship outings.
More importantly, the left-winger has been the answer the huge void left in Josh Murphy’s injury absence, with the 2024-25 Player of the Season continuing to be sidelined.
The former Exeter City talent’s latest showing at The Den on Saturday saw him set-up John Swift for Pompey’s second and was a constant threat throughout the afternoon to Tristan Crama, who has been one of the most consistent full-backs in the division this term.
Having been impressed with fellow winger Gustavo Caballero, who made the deadline day move from Santos where he regularly appeared alongside Neymar, Elek is adamant Alli is on the same level as the Brazilian at present based on current form.
Why Pompey man and Luton loanee has been compared to Neymar
Speaking on the latest NTT20 episode, he said: ‘Now, if you're looking at the key players within this game, I'd argue there might be a bit of a theme here, where Caballero, the man already mentioned, who was brilliant down their right hand side all game.
‘He started the season playing on the opposite wing to Neymar, this season playing on the opposite wing to Milli Alli - and I'd say there's not much between the two at the moment because Millenic Alli was superb (against Millwall).
‘He was brought in from Luton on loan and with Josh Murphy out, is such an important player for Portsmouth. His performances down the left side have been so crucial to Portsmouth's better runner form.
‘He's a direct, wide player, someone who's happy, like Murphy is, to go down all the way to the byline and get crosses in. Also very keen to cut inside on his right foot and shoot.
‘And again, here, Tristan Crama, who's been one of the best defenders I would say in the EFL this season and certainly one of Millwall’s best players and the reason why they are where they are, had a torrid time against Alli who consistently had the beating of him.’
Pompey praise over January business
Indeed, Alli, Caballero and Ebou Adams have been highlighted as three top signings by the Blues by Elek, who was impressed by the business completed by Mousinho’s side in the winter market.
He added: ‘Ebou Adams alongside Marlon Pack, no surprise at all that Marlon Pack is having a better run of games with Adams alongside him.
‘Adams provides those legs in midfield, covers distance so well, good on the ball and has made himself immediately very popular with Pompey fans.
‘So Alli, Caballero, Adams, three players there who were all brought in in January, all having an immediate impact to this Pompey side.
‘And we know that it's hard. Fans fixate on January as being an important time to replenish the squad and bring in quality, but generally the hit rate for these signings, because of the nature of the window and because teams are very keen not to lose players of value to them, means that January signings often don't play too much for part.
‘But in this case, and we’re seeing with Portsmouth, straight away they're boring players who have improved them.’
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