Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli ignoring public criticism

Dele Alli has insisted that he remains "focused" on helping Tottenham Hotspur on the field following recent criticism for diving.

The 21-year-old received his latest caution for simulation in the Lilywhites' 2-2 draw with Liverpool 10 days ago, leading to a backlash from pundits and supporters.

Following a standout display in Tuesday night's 2-2 draw with Juventus in the Champions League, however, Alli says that the outrage surrounding his diving antics will not affect him.

"I think people always react to things. I'm not focused on that, I'm focusing on the football," The Mirror quotes him as saying. "I'm focusing on every game, I don't get brought into whatever people are saying I just keep playing.

"I just want to keep improving as a player and keep going. I try not to let anything bother me. I just keep going and focusing on the team and playing well.

"Juventus started really well and we didn't start nowhere near as good as we should've. As soon as we grabbed hold of the game, we dominated from after the first 10 minutes, we dominated the game and disappointed not to win. But if you ask us after 10 minutes and we're 2-0 down at this place, we'll take the 2-2.

"You're wondering what's going on, trying to get the boys going again, get yourself going and pick yourself up, because we've got a lot of confidence in our team but when you start that poorly you make it difficult for yourself. Overall it was a good night and a great result for us."

Alli claimed an assist in the last-16 first-leg tie against Juve, taking him to 20 goal involvements in 35 outings overall this season.