Tottenham Hotspur

Mauricio Pochettino "happy" with Dele Alli form

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 30 November 2017

Mauricio Pochettino defends the form of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli, who he believes has become a victim of increased expectations.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that he is not concerned by Dele Alli's domestic form, putting recent criticism of the midfielder down to increased expectation.

Despite shining in his two Champions League appearances, the England international has yet to truly hit the heights of the last two seasons in the Premier League so far this term.

Alli still boasts three goals and two assists from his 13 top-flight outings, though, and Pochettino is pleased enough with the back-to-back PFA Young Player of the Year's overall contribution.

"I'm so happy with him, he's so young, he needs to find his balance but I am happy with him," he told reporters. "It's normal we expect so much from him because he's talented.

"We expect him to do unbelievable things every game. Senior players struggle during 10 months to keep the performances, with Dele he is young."

Out-of-form Tottenham, with one win in their last six domestic league and cup games, return to action on Saturday with a trip to Watford.