Mauricio Pochettino has backed Dele Alli to recapture his form as he steps up his recovery from injury.
The England international started Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Olympiacos but looked understandably rusty after making his first start of the season.
Alli has been struggling with a hamstring injury, but speaking to the press after the Champions League group stage fixture, Pochettino says that he was pleased with the midfielder's performance and fully backed him to get back to his best.
Speaking to the press, he said: "I think he was injured and he needed to be back.
"We are going to help and try to find the best level that he needs to start to be the same as he was. Today was a tough game, when the collective performance wasn't the same and for sure it wasn't a great game, but overall I am happy with his performance.
"Of course we know well, and he knows, that he needs to improve but he only needs time now."
Jermaine Jenas was speaking about the midfielder during BT Sport's coverage of the game and said that it was a huge season for the Spurs man.
He said: "I think he knows it a big season for him. He’s back playing in his favourite position tonight rather than at times last season playing in central midfield.
"You’d expect him to be eager to get back on the scoresheet, back in the starting XI. It’s his first start since the hamstring injuries.
"He needs to gain some sharpness and fight his way into the starting line up in the Premier League."
