Ray Parlour has hailed Tottenham star Dele Alli and says the midfielder is better than Manchester United’s world-record signing Paul Pogba.
The former Arsenal player, speaking to the Alan Brazil Up Front podcast, was asked for his thoughts on the form of the France midfielder, who many feel has felt to hit top form since his £89million move to Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho has been criticised in some quarters for his decision to play Pogba in a more advanced role during Monday’s 0-0 draw against Liverpool, while Parlour, when asked which of the two he’d prefer as a manager to play at No 10, had no doubt who had the upper hand.
“Dele Alli is a better player than Paul Pogba,” Parlour said.
“Dele Alli is superb. If the debate was Alli or Pogba. A lot of people would go __with Alli.
“He has a knack of getting into the right areas and scoring a goal. He is an all-round good footballer. Spurs have a real gem in their side. What a signing for £5m from MK Dons.”
Alli recently signed a new six-year contract at Tottenham, meaning he will remain at White Hart Lane until at least 2022. The midfielder said the North London club was the perfect place for him to realise his potential.
“I’m happy to be here and playing at Tottenham,” Alli told Tottenham’s official website after signing on the dotted line. “Personally, I can’t think of anywhere better you know __with the fans and the manager they’ve got here and the young team. It’s a great place to be.”
Alli enjoyed a breakthrough season at Tottenham in 2015-16, scoring 10 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions. He was also named the PFA young player of the year and represented England at Euro 2016.