Whether you happen to be a Tottenham supporter or not, you can’t deny the talent and promise of Dele Alli.The 20-year-old’s career fast-tracked from League One to the Premier League last season and the 2016-17 campaign has only served to accelerate his rise to the top. Mauricio Pochettino has quite the youngster at his disposal.Naturally, as a result of such fine form, comparisons are being made between Alli and a series of legendary English midfielders. As far as statistics are concerned, the Spurs star, rather incredibly, seems to hold the upper hand.

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Incredible season

Alli couldn’t have typified his season and Tottenham career better than with his performance against Watford this weekend. The Englishman was an integral part of a comprehensive 4-0 win and found his name on the scoresheet, too.

It wasn’t just a goal, though; it was nothing short of a screamer. Alli curled the ball home in spectacular fashion from the edge of the area, beating Heurelho Gomes all ends up and sending Twitter into raptures.

The strike proved his 19th goal of the season – an astonishing achievement considering he stars in midfield. That means, in all competitions, Alli has been more prolific than both Diego Costa and Neymar this season.

The 20-year-old is somewhat philanthropic with his offensive play as well with six assists to his name. Consequently, he has played a huge role in Harry Kane’s claim for the Golden Boot in 2017.

In addition, there remains hope that Tottenham and Alli could scoop silverware. They sit healthily in second place and Chelsea’s recent defeat to Crystal Palace serves to keep hope flickering and morale high.

Promising statistic

Even if Spurs completely and utterly choke in the final month, however, Alli can hold his head high as an individual. After all, pundits and supporters alike sometimes have to remind themselves that he’s only aged 20.

Consequently, the Englishman has recently been compared to the small matters of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and David Beckham. Not bad players, hey?

Well, these contrasts may not be as unrealistic and premature as they initially seem. Believe it or not, Alli isn’t as far out of his league as you might think.

That’s because, before the age of 21, the Tottenham star has contributed to as many Premier League goals as Gerrard, Lampard and Beckham combined.

Opta’s official tweet of the record can be seen below:

Let’s allow that to sink in for a second.

When you then consider that, like Alli, Gerrard and Lampard also made their Premier League debuts at age 18, the record carries even more weight.

Only Beckham can feasibly pull out the excuses. It took until 1995 and beyond his 19th birthday for him to be blooded at Manchester United – going a long way to explain his average tally of 12.

It’s fair to say that the £5 million Spurs spent on the youngster back in 2015 has been a somewhat prudent investment. Furthermore, the stats just go to show that they could even have the next Gerrard or Lampard on their hands.

Do you think Alli has the potential to emulate Gerrard, Lampard and Beckham in the future? Have YOUR say in the comment box below