Dele Alli is 'easy target' for critics, claims Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino says Dele Alli's playing style makes him an ‘easy target’ for criticism after the Tottenham livewire was involved in a clash with Crystal Palace’sPatrick van Aanholt following Spurs' win on Sunday.

Alli, who had taken criticism from the stands following a penalty call having gone down under challenge from Wayne Hennessey, squared up with the Palace full-back after the full time whistle before responding to fans surrounding the tunnel with a ‘1-0’ sign.

The England playmaker has been under increasing scrutiny following accusations of diving in recent weeks.

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Pochettino, though, feels his style of play makes him an easy target, and that his reputation means other players get away with far worse.

"He is an easy target for everyone, Dele," Pochettino told reporters.

“He is an easy target and is surrounded. I think Roy Hodgson was very well in his press conference before the game, I think we need to stop to think too much about him, or to help people create this reputation.

"It is his game, he plays like this he is so competitive but I think because he has this focus [from fans/media] sometimes other players are worse than him and nothing happens because Dele is an easy target."

The Spurs boss has also backed his star to shrug off any pressure or criticism and continue to play his own game.

"Will it affect his confidence? No, Dele is a special kid,"Pochettino added.

"He is going to play, he is going to show his quality and he is not worried about what the people say."

Palace boss Roy Hodgson, Alli’s former England manager, warned Van Aanholt against facing up to the Spurs man again.

“When all the talk about a certain player is about him diving, this is what happens,” Hodgson said of his former Three Lions charge.

“It filters to the public, who jump on the bandwagon because the public and the supporters are all trying to get every bit of their own advantage for their team, and cause as much distress for the opposing fans.”

He added: “I would advise Patrick not to square up to Dele Alli.

“If you ask me in future, I’ll tell him to stay away from him, I think my money would be on Dele Alli on that fight.”