Reports are out claiming that Arsenal legend Martin Keown is hopeful that the emergence of Dele Alli will open the floodgates for similar lower league gems to make a step up to a bigger stage.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who was playing for League One club MK Dons last season, has impressed for Tottenham this term.
Alli also earned his first call for England national team recently and scored his debut goal for the Three Lions in the 2-0 win over France on Tuesday in just his first start.
When asked about his opinion on Alli, Keown told the Daily Mail: “Watching him on Tuesday night, it made me wonder how many more little gems are out there across the lower leagues. Does Alli’s performance open the floodgates now to let people in and give them a chance?
“He was outstanding at MK Dons but fair play to Tottenham for going out and getting him. And not only that, but giving him a chance to show what he can do. He has gone from League One to England and instantly leapfrogged so many around him – the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and others at Chelsea and now he is alongside Ross Barkley, somebody we have all admired for years.
“Alli’s emergence is quite staggering but it shows the benefit of playing regularly and being given great self-belief by your manager.”