Alex Rae believes that Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has developed into a superstar because he learned the game at the lower league school of hard knocks.
The 21-year-old spent four years at MK Dons, helping the side clinch automatic promotion to the Championship during the 2014-15 season.
The English midfielder was the catalyst for the team’s success that campaign as he scored 16 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions.
The following season, Alli moved to Premier League side Tottenham for a fee around £5million and he has become one of the most outstanding performers in the country.
The England international has scored 28 goals and produced 16 assists in the Premier League in just two seasons with the North London club.
Speaking to the Scottish Sun, Rae, who was scouting for MK Dons while Alli was playing for the club, is adamant that the midfielder’s experience in the lower leagues has helped him develop into one of the best players in world football.
“It’s no coincidence that Dele has progressed so quickly at Spurs because that experience at MK Dons was invaluable,” he said.
“He won a promotion there and he developed a winning mentality, playing real games every week.
“For any young player there are building blocks you need to put in place before you can cope at the highest level.
“From MK Dons he went to Spurs and before long he was an England player. Now look at him. He’s a superstar.
“Right now, across world football, he is one of the best midfielders anywhere. That doesn’t surprise me though.”
Alli is currently on international duty with the England national team as they prepare to face Scotland in an important World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park on Saturday afternoon.
The midfielder has managed to score two goals for his country in 17 appearances.