Dele Alli has come in for plenty of criticism during Tottenham’s 2017-18 campaign.
Alli, 21, has been targeted by fans and pundits alike for his theatrics on the pitch, as well as failing to replicate the explosive 2016-17 form that saw him develop a reputation as one of the best young players on the globe.
The former MK Dons ace, who cost Spurs just £5million, has scored 14 goals during the 2017-18 campaign as well as turning provider a further 17 times in his 50 league and cup appearances.
Both Dier and Alli are now preparing for England’s World Cup campaign in Russia this summer, and Dier believes Alli must learn to live with the constant scrutiny if he is to go from potential superstar to accomplished world beater.
“That is the world we live in, whether it’s fair or not. I don’t think so, but that’s the world he is going to live in for a long time so he will have to get used to it,” Dier said.
“He is always going to be someone that is going to divide opinion and I think he is comfortable with that. He’s very comfortable with who he is and I think he should be – he is a fantastic young boy and a great player.
“He can be an even better player, he can improve in everything and I think he knows that but I think he can be very proud of what he is at the moment and hopefully continue to improve on and off the field, like all of us can.”
Dier and Alli combined to help Spurs achieve an impressive third-placed finish this season, despite using Wembley as their home ground while the new Spurs stadium continues to be built.
The duo are joined by Spurs teammates Danny Rose, Kieran Trippier and Three Lions captain Harry Kane in Gareth Southgate’s 23-man squad, who face Nigeria in a friendly on Saturday at Wembley.
England then play against Costa Rica at Leeds United’s Elland Road on June 7, before jetting off to Russia where their first game of Group H sees them face Tunisia on June 18.
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