Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has won the Professional Footballers’ Association young player of the year prize for the second season in a row and will be presented with the award this evening.
The 21-year-old England star has again been in scintillating form for the north London club this season as they challenge Chelsea for the Premier League title.
He won the vote of his peers ahead of Spurs team-mate Harry Kane, Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, Burnley defender Michael Keane, Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Manchester City winger Leroy Sane.
Alli should consider himself unlucky not to be shortlisted for the senior award too, and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino said earlier this month: ”I think he deserves (to be nominated) because he’s showing great performances every week and in every game.
”He’s improved a lot from last season. I think he’s a better player, he’s showing better stats and in my opinion yes, he deserves it.
”After his first season in the Premier League always the people want to see again in the second season if he can confirm all that he showed last season.
”Not only did he confirm that, he’s improved in all aspects of his game. That means he’s clever, intelligent, still with potential to improve and learn and today he’s showing that he’s one of the best players in the Premier League.”
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Alli has scored 16 Premier League goals, which heading into the weekend meant he was the top scorer in the division who is not recognised as a forward.
His success continues an incredible run for Spurs in this category. They have now won the men’s young player award in five of the last six seasons – Kyle Walker in 2012, Gareth Bale in 2013, Kane in 2015 and Alli in 2016. Only Chelsea’s Eden Hazard (2014) has interrupted Spurs’ winning streak.
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