Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that the club need to "protect" youngster Dele Alli following his quick rise to the top.
The 19-year-old, who joined Spurs from MK Dons in the summer, has had an impressive start to his first season at White Hart Lane, making 16 appearances so far.
The midfielder also scored his first senior England goal in his debut start for the Three Lions during Tuesday's international friendly against France at Wembley.
"I think we need to be careful with him because a lot of things have changed with him now, in his new reality," Pochettino told reporters in today's press conference. "We need to protect him.
"It's impossible to stop all of that around him but we need to protect him to try to make sure he keeps his feet on the ground so he can keep developing his potential."
The Argentine also commented on reports that the club are planning to double Alli's wages.
He said: "Step by step. If you deserve it, in the end the club always gives you all that you deserve."
Alli is said to be earning £12,000 a week.
Danielle Joynson
