Adaptable Alli plays crucial role in Tottenham victory

MAURICIO POCHETTINO believes Dele Alli has the ability to play anywhere on the pitch after the midfielder played an instrumental role in Tottenham’s 2-1 victory over Southampton.

With talisman Harry Kane sidelined through injury, Spurs’ midfield chipped in to fill the void as Christian Eriksen opened the scoring before Alli slotted home from the spot.

Recent England call-up James WardProwse trimmed Tottenham’s lead in a second half that saw Alli temporarily play up front, with the 20-year-old having now taken his season’s tally to 18 goals in all competitions.

Despite signing Alli as a holding midfielder from MK Dons, Pochettino has embraced the England international’s versatility.

“I saw him at 17 years old playing at Milton Keynes as a holding midfielder against Manchester United. And I don’t know, always he can surprise me,” the Spurs manager said.

“Maybe one day he can play like a goalkeeper or a full-back or a centreback. I think it is difficult to respond to that [question] because he is a player who plays in his best position. He is a player who likes to run into the box. He is very often very clever into the box.

“In the box he looks like a striker because he is more than clever, he has made his mark. Outside the box he is playing like a midfielder. Dele Alli always can surprise and you cannot guess with him. He has an unbelievable personality and character.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United climbed above Arsenal into fifth place courtesy of a 3-1 win at Middlesbrough, the Teesiders playing their first game since sacking manager Aitor Karanka.

Ashley Young’s deep cross found Marouane Fellaini at the back post to open the scoring, before Jesse Lingard’s thunderous strike doubled United’s lead after the break.

Boro, with caretaker boss Steve Agnew in charge, did not roll over by any means, though, and when Chris Smalling made a mess of a clearance substitute Rudy Gestede pounced to pull a goal back.

Belief was growing around the Riverside until an embarrassing moment to settle the match as Antonio Valencia capitalised on former United team-mate Victor Valdes’ slip to wrap up victory.