Mauricio Pochettino has tipped “fighter” Dele Alli to win back England boss Gareth Southgate’s trust following his match-winning double at Chelsea.
Alli was dropped for England’s 1-1 draw with Italy but answered his critics by netting twice as We secured a first win at Stamford Bridge since 1990 in Sunday’s Premier League clash.
Pochettino however insisted we have achieved “nothing” despite opening up an eight-point gap on rivals Chelsea that all-but cements our bid for a fourth-place finish that will secure Champions League qualification.
Pochettino conceded Alli had faced a “tough period” in not featuring for England against Italy however insisted he never doubted the 21-year-old’s ability to bounce back.
“Dele is not going to be affected if he plays or doesn’t play,”;said Pochettino.He’s got a great character, he’s so strong, he’s a fighter; very competitive. He’s not going to be affected, but then we have to help him.If he doesn’t play for the international team he needs to fight and win trust and confidence again.
Pochettino added: “The only way to do that is doing what he did today. Scoring goals and the performance he did today.I’m very, very pleased, it was a tough period for him: but for me I have no doubt over his talent, his character, and I am so happy for him because he deserved it, worked hard.
Pochettino went on to say: “He’s a great talent, only 21, and sometimes we lose focus on that. Sometimes the expectation is too much, and pressure on his shoulders.He doesn’t need to show anything to us, because we trust and believe in him.”
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