Former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas feels Dele Alli is being unfairly criticised this season.
Alli has scored just three goals in the Premier League for Spurs this season, who find themselves out of the top four halfway through the campaign.
“I don't think (he deserves the criticism) to be totally honest with you," Jenas said.
“He's going to go through certain stages in his career where there are more inconsistencies.
“Obviously the heights of last year are hard to achieve year in year out for experienced players. For someone of 20 years of age it is very difficult.
“I do think he hasn't performed as well as he did last year, but I don't think Spurs have as a team either. I do think he is playing in a worse team this year than they were last year.
“They were far more dynamic, which gave him more space to do what he wants to do.
“He's given the ball away a little too much in the games that I've watched recently.
“But the one thing I like about him is that he doesn't mind. I think from a midfielder's point of view that is the most important thing for me.
“As long as you keep going, you will create opportunities for your team."
Source: tribalfootball.com