Dele Alli hit back at his critics after scoring in Tottenham’s 1-1 draw at Everton.
The England international has attracted plenty of criticism in the last few months and has admitted he was below his best last season.
Alli’s goal was his second in three games and he told Sky Sports after the game that his aim is to not only rediscover his best form but surpass it.
He said: “I’m definitely improving again, but at the same time people always say ‘Can Dele get back to where he was?’ – I don’t want to get back to where I was, I want to go past that and keep working hard and keep improving.
“I’m not going to listen too much to what people say. Some people just say it because it’s their job to say something.
“Whether they believe it or not, I don’t feel that some people say stuff to help as such, it’s more just to say it for those reasons.
“My manager and team-mates and family, I just keep listening to them and keep working hard.”
Alli was full of sympathy for Son Heung-min, who was sent off after a challenge on Andre Gomes which led to the Everton man suffering a very serious injury.
The red card seemed more than harsh and Son was visibly distraught at the extent of Gomes’ injury.
“I didn’t want to look too much at what happened [to Gomes]. All I can do is send him my best wishes and wish him a quick recovery,”Alli said.
“Son is devastated. He’s in tears but it’s not his fault. He’s one of the nicest people you would want to meet.
“He can’t even lift his head up, he’s crying that much in the dressing room.”