Former Tottenham forward Garth Crooks has been full of praise for Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli following yet another top quality performance against Southampton at the weekend, but has also warned that the youngster needs to keep his focus.
Putting together his Team of the Week for the BBC, Crooks commented on the "hard edge" that Spurs showed in brushing off the challenge of the Saints to push the recent defeat against Newcastle to back of their mind.
"This was epitomised by Dele Alli, who subjected himself to a crushing tackle from Jose Fonte in order to release Harry Kane on goal and open Tottenham's account," Crooks gushed.
"This kid Alli is a real talent. I just hope he doesn't lose himself to the 'fancy Dan' mentality that tends to accompany Tottenham players. If he and his colleagues can remain focused, they are top-four contenders."
Alli has been a revelation since joining the Tottenham first team this season and huge things are now expected of him. He's been a regular pick for Mauricio Pochettino, perhaps somewhat surprisingly so given his age and lack of experience, but he's already on course to go to Euro 2016 with England.
Crooks also picked fellow Spurs player Hugo Lloris among his XI for match-week 17 of the campaign. The French goalkeeper kept his first clean sheet of the month in the 2-0 win at St Mary's and Crooks thought he was "back to his best" after recent wobbles.
"Against Southampton he was back to his best, showing no signs of insecurity with a fine save from Sadio Mane," the pundit said of the Tottenham captain.
"But his save from James Ward-Prowse was so fantastic, even Jan Vertonghen gave him a hug to congratulate him. Good win - excellent clean sheet."
Spurs will need both players to be on top form over the Christmas period if the club is to firmly establish itself in the hunt for a Champions League place.
