Steve Bruce has sung the praises of Tottenham superstar Dele Alli, as the Aston Villa boss prepares his players for a testing FA cup third round clash against Spurs on Sunday.
Alli is currently in the midst of his best season so far, having already bettered last season's goal tally of 10 when he scored both goals during Tottenham's crucial 2-0 victory over Premier League leader's Chelsea last Wednesday.
Having scored seven goals in his last four appearances, Alli is fast establishing himself as one of England's best players and at just 20 years of age, the midfielder is expected to achieve a great many things in the future.
And as Alli continues to win plaudits across the country, Villa boss Steve Bruce has heaped praise on the former MK Dons player, highlighting his humility in particular, as an impressive attribute.
Goals after 52 Premier League games:
Dele Alli: 20
Paul Scholes: 16
Frank Lampard: 6
Steven Gerrard: 3https://t.co/C4eW9kbgx3
Speaking in his press conference (as quoted by the "?Birmingham Mail): "We played MK Dons when I was manager of Hull last season and he came to the game.
"I thought, not only are you a really good footballer, but what a charming boy you are, too. I thought, "?good on you lad' coming back on your day off to support your mates.
"And you only have to watch him play to see he's got that bit of bite to his play, which we all like to see. He looks the real deal at the moment and he's got a fantastic future ahead of him."?
With a bright future surely ahead, Alli has already been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and will undoubtedly be one of the first names selected for the national side in the coming years.
But as the glitz and glamour of a successful footballing career awaits the Spurs' star, Bruce issued a warning to Alli that he must prepare himself for a life filled with constant media attention.
Chinese Super League is ready to offer £800k-a-week to top English talent, with Dele Alli & Harry Kane top of the list. (Source: Daily Mail) pic.twitter.com/bA1NFkHTdR
The Villa boss added: "The one thing you have to remain is grounded. It's very difficult for a young player now - much more difficult than it was 20 years ago. When I watched all the great ones come through it's different.
"The spotlight is constantly on them now. We didn't have social media then and all those other intrusions. Gone are the days when they can go into the pub and have a beer with their mates. They can't do that now. It's gone.
"They have to be what the public want you to be."?