Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has defended Dele Alli after the star's recent slump in form.

Spurs poor run – they have not won for six games – has coincided with a dip for the 20 year old.

Life has been a little more difficult this season for the England international but Pochettino said: "I am happy with him, but he is still very young and this is his only his second season in the Premier League.

"Many things happened last season and sometimes he needs to breathe a little bit. He can't keep his level in every game. Sometimes players might have some problems, such as illness.

"They are sometimes not at their best because they are human but I am very happy with him. It is just that some periods are good and others not so good."