Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino believes Dele Alli fully deserves the new contract that will keep him at White Hart Lane until 2021.
Alli has been among Spurs’ best performers this season since completing a B#5million move from MK Dons, and he is the Barclays Premier League’s leading scorer from midfield with five goals in 18 appearances.
The 19-year-old’s outstanding form has resulted in selection by England in November, just three months after making his debut in the top flight.
“It’s very good news for us and for him,” Pochettino said. “After the last six months, Dele deserves to improve his salary and his contract.
“He has achieved the level of the team-mates and now he is international and plays regularly in first team. He deserves all he takes now.
“All the players are important. Dele is important too, but for me the most important thing is the collective, the squad, the spirit.
“When you have a very good player with enough quality to play, you can achieve what you want.
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“The most important thing is that players like Dele are here and they show commitment with the club.”
Pochettino is also gladdened by Harry Kane’s declaration that he wants to stay at Tottenham despite reported interest from Real Madrid and Manchester United.
“Harry wanting to stay is very important. Harry feels very good here and is very happy,” he said.
“In football anything can happen, but Harry is very happy with us. We are really happy and very pleased he is with us.”
Pochettino, who is preparing his team for Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Leicester, would like to reinforce his forward options during the transfer window but will remain happy if he must continue to rely on Kane.
“There have been a lot of rumours about us form the beginning of the season. Our supporters need to understand we are in a project that is different from other clubs,” he said.
“It’s true maybe that Harry Kane is a proper striker, not only him, but we have different players in the second line who can help him and also play in his position.
“The most important thing is to add the right profile and right player. Trying to find this player is not easy.
“The market is very difficult in winter and our power is in the changing room, in the squad, the team. It’s not about one name, one player more or less.
“It’s important to find the right player who can help us. That player will come, but if he doesn’t it’s not a big worry for me.
“I can understand people are concerned we need one striker more, but we are very confident in following the same direction as the first half of the season.”
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