Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has likened Dele Alli to Ronaldinho and Diego Maradona.

The midfielder is finding life difficult under Jose Mourinho at the moment after being left out of five of the seven Premier League matchday squads.

But he still has the full backing of his former boss, who highlighted his star ability and likened it to two World Cup winners.

Pochettino said: "It is impossible to say another player was or will be better than Diego Maradona.

"Maradona was a talented, gifted player but was also strong, quick and powerful but his character is that of a winner.

"The charisma and energy made him so special - the charisma was the best attribute he had.

"Another player with similar charisma is Ronaldinho when we played at Paris Saint-Germain.

"And of course at the start with Dele Alli - he was also in this way with this type of charisma. People love Dele.

"But what an amazing player Ronaldinho was - the talent was complete because of the charisma, like Maradona. That is what made a real special player.

"I don't want to talk too much but when Dele came scoring goals, kids loved him.

"Kids feel this energy and charisma, they love it and follow it. Ronaldinho, like Maradona, has this special energy."