Tottenham’s Dele Ali a shoo-in for PFA Young Player of the Year

Tottenham’s Dele Alli has hit new heights in his career since his move from MK Dons.

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli was singled out for his outstanding performance for England against Germany at the Olympiastadion Berlin on Saturday, March 26, and continues to impress when he steps out onto the pitch. The 19-year-old forced his way into the Spurs first-team this season and has kept his place due to consistent showings belying his young age.

Sharp rise to prominence

Alli has been a goal and creative threat in the final third too, drawing comparisons to former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard for his penchant for a goal, and England manager Roy Hodgson is one of many who can’t praise him enough. It’s hard to believe he was signed from MK Dons not too long ago, but now the Spurs man could be on course for personal honours come the end of the season.

The teenage has made 29 Premier League appearances for Tottenham Hotspur this season, scoring seven goals and making nine assists. He’s attempted 80 dribbles and has made 42 chances, but his talents are far from limited to just attacking. Alli has tremendous work rate to help win the ball back for Spurs. The midfielder has made 62 tackles and 55 interceptions. Few players in world football showcase such an all-round ability as the ex-MK Dons man.

Alli out-performing the England legends?

Dele Alli is the fourth-highest assist-maker in the Premier League this season, and is on course to be in the Team of the Year as things stand. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has continued to play him every week along with a number of fresher-faced players, and it’s having the desired effect – it’s easy to forget striker Harry Kane is only 22. Alli could be starting for England in the European Championships this summer, which highlights such speedy development.

Known for his brilliant movement off the ball, his high levels of composure in possession, his relentless work rate, and his deadliness in the final third, Dele Alli has all the hallmarks of a future great. At 19, the English midfielder still has plenty to learn, but he could surpass the legends of the past if he can pick up where he left off this season. Dele Alli is 1/5 to be named PFA Young Player of the Year, and it would be of little surprise should he win as expected. Teammate Harry Kane and Everton striker Romelu Lukaku are also among the favourites, but Alli’s sharp rise to prominence can’t go unnoticed.