ALLI’S GOT IT ALL WRAPPED UP
Hot stuff Dele can deliver for Poch
DELE ALLI has proven himself to be the man who delivers when the heat is on for Spurs.
Committed, courageous and with the cutting edge to make his mark in the biggest games.
Goals against the Premier League’s big six, Real Madrid and for England in the World Cup quarter-final are evidence of why, at 22, Alli is one of the most coveted rising stars in Europe.
With a new, six-year deal barely a month old, Chelsea were glad to see the back of him after his sixth goal in five games against them on Saturday.
Mauricio Pochettino is hoping Inter Milan feel the same way after Tottenham’s must-win Champions League showdown at Wembley tonight.
The Spurs boss said: “Dele loves a challenge. His mentality is he gets bored quickly when he doesn’t feel the pressure.
“When he’s under pressure he’s unbelievable. He loves this kind of game, loves to compete in a difficult situation.”
Spurs certainly are in a tight spot. Anything other than a win and they will be in the Europa League.
Three points on the back of their pulsating, last-gasp win over PSV earlier this month will take Group B to the wire.
Pochettino said: “It is a massive motivation, when the people say something is going to be difficult. For me, it’s like I’m excited to show them it’s completely different. That it’s possible to do.
“It will be a massive motivation for us.”
Victory over Chelsea may have been decisive four days ago but with Arsenal to come on Sunday there will be no let-up for Spurs.
Message
Pochettino believes his men have already got that message.
Their 2-1 defeat at Inter was one of three consecutive losses after their stunning 3-0 win at Manchester United sparked title talk three months ago.
He said: “I was pleased after we beat Chelsea. It was a very good victory for us but it was important to stay humble.
“I was so disappointed after the victory at Old Trafford.
“There were a lot of players talking about winning titles and it was only three points like any other game.
“I am pleased because we have learned. To keep humble is the most important thing.”
Pochettino admits Spurs share the collective blame for the gaffe which means Juan Foyth, 20, cannot face the Italians.
The Argentina defender was left out of the club’s Champions League squad in August.
Pochettino said: “It’s painful but it’s a decision we all made.”