Poch lauds Spurs man’s display in ‘different position’

Matt Stead

Mauricio Pochettino singled out Dele Alli for particular praise after the Tottenham forward impressed in a “different position”.

Alli started in a deeper position for Spurs as they secured top spot in their Champions League group with a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund.

The 21-year-old would usually feature just behind Harry Kane, but started alongside Harry Winks as Kane, Christian Eriksen and Heung-min Son were used further upfield.

Alli has struggled for form this season, but assisted both goals to please his manager.

“I am so happy about him, of course,” Pochettino said. “For me the position he played today he can play easy because of the characteristics of him. He can play behind striker or like a No.8 because he has the quality and talent and capacity to cope with different positions, he has that.

“But I’m not only proud of him but the whole team. Danny Rose was fantastic too. We must recognise that. In the second half, and the whole game, after 10 months injury it’s difficult.

“The performance was great. I think the whole team was very good, fantastic performance. It’s a performance where if you win, fantastic, but if you lose fantastic and you can take good results from it.”