WELCOME BACK THE REAL DELE

Poch tips ‘special’ Alli to put tricky start to the campaign behind him and show his class..

MAURICIO POCHETTINO insists Dele Alli will prove he is among the best in the world.

Alli will return from a three-game European ban to face Real Madrid at Wembley, and the Tottenham midfielder will be desperate to be the centre of attention on the Champions League stage for the right reasons. It has been a difficult start to the season for Alli, who has suffered a major dip in form. He was given a one-match suspension for a one-fingered salute during England’s game with Slovakia, and then had his temperament questioned again last weekend after a flare-up with Manchester United’s Ashley Young at Old Trafford. But Spurs boss Pochettino says he is not concerned about either the 21-year-old’s short fuse or loss of form.

He said: “I am not worried about him. It’s true he is disappointed with himself that he’s not at his best but it’s coming. Like the winter is coming.

“For me, he is a special player, but has the capability to improve and get better. He can improve but you need time.

“It’s been a short period in which he’s been playing in a professional environment and has already achieved a lot of things.

“But, with time – every day getting better and improving and not repeating his mistakes – then for sure he can become one of the best players in the world.

“For me, all of my players are top class. World class? Of course. He is still so young. Sometimes