Tottenham took a £5million gamble earlier in the season when they went ahead and signed Dele Alli from MK Dons. Almost a year later, Alli has been one of the best players this season and is rightly nominated in the 6-man shortlist for PFA Young Player of the Year award this season.
Having seen Alli set Premier League on fire with his bright and energetic displays, he should be the front runner to win this season’s PFA Young player of the year award as well. Alli has scored 8 goals and has managed 9 assists from 32 league appearances this season.
At the age of 19, no one gave Alli any chance to have the impact he has had in his first top-flight season. He is not only leading Tottenham’s charge for the title, he is England’s biggest hope at the Euros as well. In all honesty, Alli represents the true image of a young player and truly deserves the recognition.
Last season it was Harry Kane who won this award for his instant impact in his Premier League debut season. This time around, Alli is the only nominee who is playing in his first season in England’s top flight football.
Along with Alli and Kane, Philippe Coutinho, Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley and Jack Butland complete the nominee list for PFA Young Player of the Year award. Apart from Alli, rest are seasoned campaigners for their teams and have prior Premier League experience.
Alli came to Premier League with a tag of being the Liverpool Reject after Brendan Rodgers passed the chance to sign him in the summer. Despite the snub, former MK Dons star took little time in adjusting to the League and at the moment he is the hottest property in English Football.
Already being likened to Paul Gascoigne and Bryan Robson, Alli has a huge future ahead of him. He has indeed made the ideal start to his career and PFA can only do the right thing by honoring his bright start with this season’s PFA Young Player of the Year award.
After all this award is meant for young players who make an immediate impression, and Alli has certainly done that.