Dele Alli was praised after Spurs' win against Stoke City on Wednesday evening, with his movement attracting the eye of pundits.
Jose Mourinho's side qualified for the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with a win away at Stoke, and were rewarded with a tie at home to Brentford in the new year.
Goals from Gareth Bale, Ben Davies and Harry Kane were enough to see Spurs over the finish line in a 3-1 win, with Alli named among the starters after a long period out of Mourinho's plans for the first XI.
However, the England international impressed pundits with his performance, even if there was a hint of ring rust about the 24-year-old.
"I just think maybe it’s a little bit of rust, his timing is a little bit off, he hasn’t played properly for a little while now, especially not consecutively," Darren Bent said on Sky Sports.
"But his movement was really good, he looked really sharp. The first chance, he could’ve done a little bit better.
"But him getting himself into those areas, running behind Harry Kane, that’s what’s important, that’s when he’s at his best. I thought it was a good performance from him."
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman stated that Alli can be pleased with his evening's output, despite tiring as the game proceeded.
"When you’re coming into the team after being out for a long time, it’s difficult physically and difficult mentally," Osman added.
"I thought in the first-half, he had a really good game. In the second-half, some of his decisions were tired decisions, where his legs had gone and his mind had gone and he didn’t quite pick up the bounce of the ball.
"Considering he’s been out for a long time, I’d be pleased with his evening’s work."
