Tottenham’s Alli ‘best in his position’ in England

Mark Holmes
Dele Alli: Does not feel he needs to work on his temper

Dele Alli: Does not feel he needs to work on his temper

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has been compared to Steven Gerrard and described as the best player in England in his position.

Alli scored a wonderful goal at Crystal Palace on Saturday, his sixth of the season, as fourth-placed Spurs moved five points clear of Manchester United in the race for a Champions League place.

Alli also won seven England caps last year, opening his goalscoring account for the national team against France in November, and the Daily Telegraph’s chief sports writer Paul Hayward believes there is every reason to get excited about the 19-year-old.

He told Sunday Supplement on Sky Sports: “People always shout at you when you get excited about a young English player, they say: ‘We’ve been here before.’

“But we haven’t been here before, we haven’t often had a young English player, 19 years old, with that range of talents.

“He can do everything. He can score spectacular goals, he can tackle, he can drive the play, he can carry the ball, he’s physically and mentally strong, he doesn’t get pushed around on the ball.

“Again, you’re not allowed to compare people with a young Steven Gerrard, but I would in this case because he’s that kind of player.

“Inevitably, your thoughts turn to the summer, can Alli start for England at the Euros? I say yes, because in his current position he has to start for England.”

The Daily Mail’s Martin Samuel echoed Hayward’s words, saying: “Is [Jordan Henderson] as good as Dele Alli? Is [Jack Wilshere] as good as Dele Alli? They’re not as good as Dele Alli.

“He is the best in his position in this country at the moment.”

Hayward added: “And his position, his best position, is attacking midfield, and he has competition for that position with Ross Barkley. But can anybody name a better attacking midfielder in the country than Dele Alli?

“He’s got the character of an exceptional player as well. You don’t do what you did yesterday unless you fancy yourself.”