Tottenham could have a future star in Dele Alli

Despite Tottenham losing 2-0 to Real Madrid during the Audi Cup on Tuesday in Germany, there were some positives to take out of the match for the north London outfit. One of the biggest bright spots for Spurs was 19-year-old Dele Alli.  The lanky midfielder was impressive against the top opposition (even nutmegging former Spurs star Luka Modric), while playing 75 minutes in the friendly.

Tim Hill of The Guardian praised the youngster during the publication’s play-by-play of the match in Munich.  “I think Dele Alli has looked very impressive for Spurs,” said Hill. “He’s shown some nice touches, and has been willing to accept the ball in tough spots.  Well played so far.”

The solid performance from Alli will surely make Spurs fans happy, despite the preseason loss.  While playing the majority of his youth and senior career with MK Dons, Spurs made a move for Alli during the January transfer period.  The Premier League club issued a £5 million bid for the player, an offer that the League One team could not refuse.

Spurs quickly loaned Alli back to MK Dons for the rest of the 2014-15 campaign, where he was absolutely immense for the Dons.  With the help of Alli, the League One club was promoted to the Championship following the 2014-15 season after finishing runners-up in the table.

SEE MORE: Tottenham sign promising midfielder Dele Alli from MK Dons.

Mostly being utilized as a central midfielder, Alli was a breakout performer last season. The teenager scored 16 goals and added nine assists in league play for the Dons.  Alli was rewarded for his high-level of play by being named in the PFA League One Team of the Year, as well as the Football League Young Player of the Year.

Alli, a lifelong Liverpool fan, rejected a chance to move to the Merseyside club months before making the switch to Tottenham.  The youngster explained the reason for snubbing Liverpool by saying, “At the time I didn’t feel it was the right move personally, and I wanted to stay at MK a bit longer to get some more first-team experience.”

Although he is still young, Alli wants to avoid a loan move this year to gain experience and fight for playing time at Spurs. “I’m not going to lie, it’s going to be hard (to break into the team) and it’s going to be a challenge, but it’s one I believe I’m ready to take,” Alli recently stated.  “As far as I’m concerned I’m at Tottenham to play and I’m going to work hard to make sure that happens.”

While it’s obviously very early in the player’s career, Alli is certainly talented and seems capable in making a significant impact on the Spurs team in the near future.