Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes star midfielder Dele Alli can become a future leader at the Premier League club.

Despite being only 20 years old, Alli has established himself as a key member of Tottenham's side since arriving from League One team MK Dons in 2015.

Already capped 15 times by England, Alli's exploits have alerted some of Europe's biggest clubs, but Pochettino has backed last season's PFA Young Player of the Year to lead the way at White Hart Lane.

"Of course it is important we have Hugo Lloris, the captain of France, he is an experienced player and can maybe give better advice than younger players," Pochettino said.

"But then we have Dele Alli, with his personality and character, maybe he can become a leader in a few years. Every player in the squad has leadership qualities, they just need time to develop the qualities.

"It's important to have good character and always work to win, not just to say 'I want to win' - it is to show you want it with your behaviour, attitude, enthusiasm, your own motivation."

Alli has scored 11 Premier League goals for Tottenham this season as the Londoners sit second in the table ahead of Saturday's trip to Liverpool.