Tottenham Hotspur

Dele Alli: 'I'm numb to media speculation'

By Jonny Whitfield, Reporter | 31 March 2018

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli insists that he is "numb" to his critics, adding that he has grown a thick skin in the game.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli has insisted that he is "numb" to his critics, adding that he has grown a thick skin in the game.

The England international has scored six times this season, while also adding nine assists, three more than he managed last term.

Alli said that he chooses to ignore the criticism he receives for his performances, telling Sky Sports News that confidence is important in remaining focused as a player.

"There are a lot of opinions, people say a lot in the media and online, but I'm numb to it now," the 21-year-old said. "Growing up, you have to fight every day, coming into the Premier League you have to fight for your place in the team, and same as an international.

"Every player is different [in dealing with criticism], I think it's all about your focus, what your focus is. Some people might focus a lot on what people are saying about them, which can take the focus away from the football. It can impact you.

"But for me, I've never worried too much about what people think. If you have confidence in yourself, you know yourself, better than anyone, when you have that, what other people say, automatically you are numb to it."

Earlier this week, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino said that too much is expected of Alli at his age, insisting that the midfielder is progressing well in North London.