The heights he scaled during his peak and the names that came to mind when one of his former managers discussed Dele Alli could hardly feel further away right now.
The man who was once one of the bright hopes of English football today finds himself effectively unwanted by Everton. They are not exactly overflowing with attacking quality yet remain happy to let Alli leave for Turkey.
Whatever part he may have played in it, Alli's fall may still spark an element of sadness, particularly for those who remember the good old days.
There were many of those too, most notably under Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham.