Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that Dele Alli's development at Tottenham Hotspur has been "massive", but admits that the midfielder may now need some support.

Alli's domestic form has been called into question this season after chipping in with three goals and three assists in 17 Premier League outings.

As well as struggling for consistency, the England international was lucky to remain on the field in the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City last weekend following a lunge on Kevin De Bruyne.

Pochettino believes that Alli's current struggles are natural, though, having made such a big impression in the last couple of seasons.

"His success in two-and-a-half years is massive, a fantastic achievement," he told reporters. "It's not that he isn't doing good - the problem is that in the past he was amazing.

"Sometimes to be consistent, a player needs to go down to come back up. The most important thing now is support from the club and the coaching staff, to trust and help him reach the same levels as before."

Alli has fared better in the Champions League this term, scoring twice in his three Champions League appearances.