THE GENTLE TOUCH
ALLI: He’s not a number, it’s important to be there if he needs us and try to give him help says Pochettino
DELE ALLI will start Tottenham’s Carabao Cup tie against Barnsley tonight in a bid to rediscover his form.
Mauricio Pochettino will field his England midfielder, 21, after Alli produced a subdued display in Saturday’s goalless draw against Swansea.
The current PFA Young Player of the Year remains suspended for another two Champions League games, after missing last week’s impressive win over Borussia Dortmund.
Alli is also under FIFA investigation for his “middle finger” gesture while on England duty, against Slovenia, earlier this month.
Pochettino will look to protect his rising star and called for Alli’s critics to cut him some slack.
The Spurs boss said: “He needs the freedom to be natural and to express himself.
“The most important thing is to be there if he needs us and, sometimes, to try to help before he asks.
“I think he is still very young. His potential is massive. He did very well last season and it’s not easy for a young player to keep this level and show it in every game. It is about maturity. It’s about finding your balance in training. Competing, in your life, in everything. The player is not only what we see on the pitch. He is not a number.
“I was like Dele. I was from zero to 100. You need to find your balance.”
Alli has scored twice in the Premier League this season, against Newcastle and Burnley, but he has failed to find the net in his last two matches.
Pochettino added: “I think it’s not the case today that the opponent knows how to stop him. I think it’s about him – the player he is. It’s about finding the