Mauricio Pochettino not worried about Dele Alli despite ‘difficult’ period for Tottenham star
Written by News on 14/10/2017
Mauricio Pochettino admits Dele Alli is going through a "difficult" period in his career but insists he is not concerned about the Tottenham forward.
Alli has struggled to recapture his best form so far in a season that has seen him banned from both the Champions League and international games with England.
The 21-year-old is also understood to be in the process of changing agents but boss Pochettino has kept him in the team despite admitting Alli has been unsettled in recent months.
"It’s true that it is a difficult period (for him) – he cannot play in the Champions League, was banned from the national team – he’s in a period not too solid for him," Pochettino said ahead of Bournemouth’s visit to Wembley on Saturday.
"But it’s normal. I am not concerned. He’s 21. He’s mature. He’s improving a lot. He is a special player. His character makes him a special player. It’s only time, again, (that he needs) to start to perform like before.
"Now it’s a not too much solid period, but a normal period to come strong again. He is very concerned about everything now. Sometimes it’s good to feel you are human. For him, sure, that situation helps him improve.
"It’s about being more mature, no? He started from here (low) and from two seasons he was at the top of the hill. Maybe now he needs to moderate.
"I think it’s part of being a great player. With that the situation, we can help him to be a great player."
(c) Sky News 2017: Mauricio Pochettino not worried about Dele Alli despite ‘difficult’ period for Tottenham star
