Tottenham's Dele Alli delighted with praise from former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson

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Tom Collomosse8 April 2016

Tottenham star Dele Alli was delighted to win praise from some of the big names in the world of football following a stellar start to life at White Hart Lane.

Alli, 19, is a leading contender for the PFA Young Player of the Year award after an outstanding first season in top-flight football, which has caught the eye of former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Liverpool great Steven Gerrard.

Alli said: “For one of the greatest managers ever to compliment you like that, it means a lot and it's a huge honour, while Steven Gerrard is someone I've looked up to massively since growing up.

“He was a great player and a legend. He was my idol and for him to say something like that means a lot to me. It makes your hair stand up, you can't really believe it.”

Fitness permitting, Alli should be a key man for England at this summer’s European Championships, where rivals are sure to test his temperament.

Alli has clashed with opponents on numerous occasions this season, notably when he was accused of deliberately treading on Fiorentina defender Nenad Tomovic in a Europa League tie in February – which Alli denied.

He told Sky Sports: “It's not something I worry about. I can control my temper. It's something I've always had since I was younger. I've done a lot to work on it to keep it under control, and the Spurs players help me as well.”