POCH: DELE IS WORLD’S BEST
DELE ALLI has been hailed by Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino as the best young player in the world.
Critics say Alli has failed to repeat his sparkling form of last season but Pochettino says there is not a better 21-year-old in world football.
“When you compare Dele Alli with all the players in the world of his age, I think he is the best,” Tottenham’s Argentinian gaffer said.
“His form, his assists, everything. I just don’t understand why people criticise him.
“Dele Alli, for his age, is the best. That’s it.
“He should only be worried if we are not happy with him – but we never criticise him.”
Alli has netted 10 times in all competitions this season but last season he hit 22. Asked whether he could really rate Alli so highly given that statistical drop, Pochettino added: “Yes. Tell me a 21-year-old better than him.
“For me he is the best because he is my player. Maybe I am not objective but I think he is amazing.”
Asked whether Alli could compare with Manchester City’s flying winger Leroy Sane, Pochettino added: “Who was better last season? Dele, no? From the day he made his debut with us he has made himself one of the best in the world.
“Maybe it’s not important for the people who criticise him to listen to me because I am only a simple coach.
“But I promise you, I am the most critical person with my players and I find it difficult to criticise Dele.”
Pochettino also had words of encouragement for Harry Kane, on the sidelines until next month after injuring his ankle against Bournemouth at the weekend.
The Spurs chief, preparing his side for tomorrow’s FA Cup quarter-final at Swansea, described the England striker as a warrior who would put his leg into a washing machine on full power if it meant getting a goal.
Pochettino said of Kane, whose hopes of winning the Golden Boot have been rocked by his latest lay-off: “He’s a warrior. He would put his leg in the washing machine to try to score because he’s so brave.
“Maybe another player says ‘I’m not going to take a risk’. But he’s a warrior. That’s why Harry Kane is Harry Kane.”