Mauricio Pochettino says he has tamed Tottenham’s wild stallion Dele Alli
Spurs boss says his reformed England star is much 'more domesticated' this season
MAURICIO POCHETTINO believes he has finally tamed wild stallion Dele Alli.
Tottenham midfielder Dele looked in danger of going off the rails last season after a string of disciplinary issues.
But England star Alli , 20, seems to be a reformed character this term, with only one yellow card.
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Spurs boss Poch said: “It is like when you have a wild horse and you need to put it in a box and domesticate it. No?
“He is a big talent but he was a bit wild. Now he is more domesticated. But you can never lose that wild side. That side is what makes him a special player.”
Pochettino rode horses on his family’s farm growing up as a lad in Argentina.
So is Dele broken in yet or does he still need whipping?
Poch said: “Sometimes, yes. He is a great guy. We have a very good relationship.
“He can look cold but he is a very emotional person and I think we all love him.”
Dele was banned for the final three matches of last season after he was seen punching West Brom’s Claudio Yacob in the stomach.
Poch said: “It is a process with the younger lads to be more mature, with more experience. Now he is more focused on playing football.”
Dele may have sorted out his temperament but he says he needs to work on his finishing after missing a sitter with a header in Tottenham’s 0-0 draw at Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.
The midfielder has netted three times in the Premier League so far this term but no player has had more attempts in this season’s Champions League — ten — without scoring.
Dele said: “I should have put that in.
“I couldn’t believe it when I missed it. I’ve got to make sure I start being more clinical.”