Redknapp, who played for Spurs between 2002 and 2005, thinks his fellow England midfielder has football intelligence above that of his similarly aged peers.
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp has suggested that Dele Alli’s football intelligence is head and shoulders above every other Premier League player his age.
The Spurs attacker has already notched up 50 goals for his club, scoring just before the hour in Sunday’s game at Leicester City to seal his half-century.
Despite being just 22 years old, Alli has already carved out an impressive career for himself in Tottenham and England colours, making 161 appearances for club and 33 for country.
For Tottenham, Alli has also claimed 43 assists in all competitions, testament to his supporting work for his team, and 40 goals in the Premier League alone, highlighting his top-flight class (Transfermarkt).
Writing for the Daily Mail, Redknapp – who played for Spurs between 2002-2005 and has 295 Premier League appearances under his belt – could not help but praise his compatriot’s credentials.
“I was delighted to see Dele Alli score his 50th goal for Tottenham,” the 45-year-old said. “I cannot think of another 22-year-old in the Premier League with better football intelligence.
“He defends from the front with his pressing, his movement is exceptional and he scores and creates goals.”
In addition, Redknapp also highlighted the speed in which Alli has reached his half-century compared to several other England midfield greats.
“The fact that he has taken fewer games to reach the milestone than the likes of Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard only underlines his brilliance,” he added.
Since the start of 2015-16, only Son Heung-min (52) and Harry Kane (117) have scored more than Alli for Spurs in all competitions, according to OptaJoe.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
