POCH PUTS FAITH IN MISFIRING ALLI.. AND SAYS HE’S AS VITAL AS KANE

MAURICIO POCHETTINO reckons Dele Alli shares the same big-match temperament as Harry Kane.

Ahead of today’s clash with seventh-placed Burnley, Spurs boss Pochettino claimed his out-of-form midfielder is as important to Tottenham as their goalscoring talisman. Alli has suffered a dip this season, and has not scored since his brace against Real Madrid on November 1.

The 21-year-old was dropped against

Brighton last week, and was lucky not to be red-carded on his recall following a horrible challenge on Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City. But Pochettino (below) hinted that he will unleash Alli to rediscover his scoring touch at Turf Moor. “Against Real Madrid at Wembley he scored twice and nearly scored a hat-trick,” he said. “Dele Alli is a massive talent and player. It’s the same if you said to me: ‘Why does Harry Kane always play?’ For Tottenham, Dele Alli is so important.

“But it’s so important now to translate to him the trust, to push him to try to improve. It’s not only that he needs to perform for Tottenham – there is a World Cup in six months.”

Chris Wood scored Burnley’s late equaliser at Wembley in August – after Alli (right) had given Spurs the lead.

Asked if the Clarets can qualify for the Champions League, Pochettino said: “Of course. Two years ago, Leicester won the Premier League.

“It will be tough because they are competing with big sides and so are we, but in football, anything can happen.”