Former Tottenham and Liverpool star Peter Crouch believes Dele Alli has suffered due to his time on the bench this season.

Alli was a regular for Spurs under Mauricio Pochettino and early in the Jose Mourinho era.

But the Englishman lost his place in the team late last season and has not recovered, barely featuring in the Premier League this term.

While his form is improved, Crouch feels these struggles have impacted Alli significantly.

"I was at Tottenham last Wednesday and I thought Alli was super," Crouch said in his Daily Mail column.

"He had a glint in his eyes, he looked hungry and a class above.

"Yes, he was playing opponents who were average but his quality shone through and it was a reminder of how good he can be. So I could understand why he would have been frustrated yesterday.

"He hasn't featured in nine of Tottenham's Premier League squads this season and that is too much absence for a player of his class. He shouldn't be left to rot, he shouldn't have a career that is just drifting aimlessly.

"We aren't privy to what is happening behind closed doors and we have to respect why Jose Mourinho is making these calls. But I expect Dele would have been totally deflated at being on the bench against Burnley.

"Gareth Bale looked like the Gareth Bale we all know against Burnley. Harry Kane and Heung-min Son were on fire, too.

"If you add Dele into that equation, you have a front four who are as exciting as anything in the country. I hope he gets another chance."