Frank Lampard delivers verdict on Dele Alli after watching Tottenham from the stands

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Published on:

30 Jan 2017, 7:07 am

By Tony Hughes

Frank Lampard has revealed how impressed he was by Dele Alli when watching him in action for Tottenham nine days ago.

Lampard was in the stands as Alli inspired Spurs' revival against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium as they came from two goals down to draw 2-2 after being totally outplayed in the opening half.

It capped an outstanding month for the Tottenham attacking midfielder, who has scored a remarkable nine goals from eight matches since netting in his side's 2-1 win against Burnley on 18 December.

In an interview with former England teammate and Premier League opponent Jamie Carragher in the Mail, Lampard explained the stresses of top-level football as he cast an eye on the player who many have hailed as his successor as a goalscoring midfielder for club and country.

"I went to watch City v Tottenham last week and seeing Dele Alli score, I thought, 'What a great moment for that lad, he's got his whole career ahead of him'," Lampard explained.

"When I was that player, I never had that chance to step back and think, "This is great". It's stressful isn't it? You worry all the time."

Chelsea legend Lampard, who has returned to England after his spell at New York City came to end six weeks ago, is taking stock as he ponders whether to resume his playing career or call a halt at the age of 38.

Alli, 20, is at the other end of his career and taking the Premier League by storm in only his second season in the top flight.

He has maintained the form of his stunning debut campaign by spearheading Tottenham's title challenge in recent weeks, in which they have won six out of seven league encounters, and eight from nine in all competitions.

In 29 matches in all competitions this season, Alli has scored 13 goals and supplied five assists, with 11 of his goals coming in the league from just 21 matches.

In other Tottenham team news, a striker has put pen to paper on a transfer after Spurs agreed terms.

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