Friday 20 November 2015 17:51, UK
Matt Le Tissier insists mentality is the key for Dele Alli to become a top player ahead of Tottenham's Super Sunday showdown with West Ham.
The 19-year-old's rapid rise continued with a stunning strike on his full England debut against France, just over two months after making his first start for Tottenham.
Alli is now being touted as a surefire inclusion in Roy Hodgson's Euro 2016 squad, but Southampton legend Le Tissier feels the youngster must remain focused on continuing to develop.
He told Sky Sports: "He's obviously an exceptional talent but the most important thing is his mentality and that hunger to keep improving. He's now got that carrot dangling in front of him which is making Hodgson's squad for the Euros.
Mauricio Pochettino will instil the right mentality in his players and Alli is in a good position to flourish.
"He has bundles of potential there but you don't want to put too much pressure on the kid. It's a great experience for him and he has all the tools but we need to be patient."
Le Tissier has also stressed the importance Alli isn't distracted by the seemingly inevitable transfer links, insisting Tottenham are the right club to nurture his development.
"Mauricio Pochettino will be keen to ensure he keeps his feet on the ground and continues to work hard," the Soccer Saturday pundit added. "He's the type of manager that will instil the right mentality in his players and Alli is in a good position to flourish.
"If he does continue to shine then there's obviously going to be a lot of interest, but what I would say is the most important thing is for him to continue to develop with the first-team exposure that he's getting at Tottenham.
"The warning signs are there with other England players which have maybe been attracted by a big contact then struggled, with the likes of Jack Rodwell and Scott Sinclair only just rebuilding their careers now."
