I’D NEVER DROP DELE

He’s right up Poch’s Alli

TOTTENHAM manager Mauricio Pochettino says there is no way he will drop Dele Alli when it matters.

The 21-year-old midfield star downed Real Madrid at the start of November with a sensational Wembley brace.

But since then the goals have dried up and he has struggled to create chances for others.

Alli is also lucky not to be banned for today’s trip to Burnley after a nasty challenge on Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne last week.

Pochettino may rotate Alli during a hectic festive period that sees them play West Ham on January 4, two days after a trip to Swansea.

But he stressed that when it comes to the big games, Alli will always play – like Harry Kane.

Pochettino said: “Against Real Madrid at Wembley, he scored twice and nearly scored a hattrick. Against Liverpool, I think it was his best game.

Selfish

“Dele Alli is a massive talent and player. It’s the same if you said to me, ‘Why does Harry Kane play always?’. There is no doubt about that. For Tottenham, Dele Alli is so important.

“We are going to help and we are going to take the best decision for him and for the team. It’s not only to help him, it’s to help the team too.

“It’s not to be selfish and say we need to do everything for him and not care about the team. It’s about balance.”

Spurs are seventh, a point and a place behind their hosts, who continue to defy the odds under Sean Dyche.

Pochettino reckons the Clarets deserve to be dreaming of playing Champions League football.

He said: “Two years ago, people were asking whether Leicester could win the Premier League. In the end, they did.

“Burnley are so tough, such a physical team. They play simple but it’s difficult sometimes to play simple as well as they do.

“We need to be ready to fight because they are such athletic players, tough players.

“It doesn’t surprise me that they are doing so well.”