Mauricio Pochettino has described midfield star Dele Alli as a 'wild horse' who has been domesticated under his guidance at Tottenham Hotspur.

The 20-year-old talent has earned a reputation for his outbursts and antics on the pitch, collecting 10 yellow cards in all competitions last season plus a three-game ban for punching West Bromwich Albion's Claudio Yacob.

However, his Argentine manager insists that behavioural issues are not a concern for the England international anymore as he has been tamed in North London.

"It is all a process with the younger lads to be more mature with more experience," Pochettino said.

"It is like when you have a wild horse and you need to put it in a box and domesticate it. No? Dele is a big talent but he was a bit wild.

"Now he is more domesticated.

"But you can never lose that wild side. That side might make him a special player.

"No more whip now. But sometimes yes. He is special, a great guy. We have a very good relationship. He is a very emotional person and I think we all love him."