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Harry Kane being one of 30 players medium-listed for the Ballon d’Or was no surprise, and that shows just how well the Tottenham striker has been doing since breaking through under Mauricio Pochettino.

For a while, Kane has been at such a level he’s seen as likely to be unrealistic for potential suitors such as Manchester United and Manchester City, and, given that it’s known Tottenham would make a move very difficult, even Real Madrid would be hesitant over an approach.

Kane has essentially made himself priceless, until such a time his form drops or he makes it obvious, over a prolonged period, that a Tottenham exit is what he desires.

Dele Alli is trying to get himself to the same level, and not doing too bad a job of it. Spanish newspaper AS have asked Pochettino if Alli, like Kane, can get to the level that a Ballon d’Or nomination is justified.

“Why not? Dele has potential, has that capacity and that energy, that aura that doesn’t leave you indifferent. Hopefully, let’s hope. He is still young and still has to improve and learn many things. We are trying to provide him with the best tools so that he can stabilise in this area where it is so difficult to stay solid.”

Ali getting on that list will also depend a lot on Tottenham’s success, and perhaps on what he can do with England at the World Cup. But at 21 years of age, there’s a huge amount of time for such recognition.