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Tottenham star Dele Alli insists he's maturing as a footballer after refusing to react to Ryan Shawcross's mind games during win against Stoke

Tottenham starlet Dele Alli has insisted that he's matured as a footballer and has learnt to ignore provocation from opposition players.

The 21-year-old has a reputation for struggling to keep his cool during games and has picked up a couple of bans during his time at Spurs.

Alli was banned for three games in 2016 after he punched West Brom midfielder Claudio Yacob in the stomach in an off-the-ball incident, which he later apologised for, saying: 'Shouldn't have reacted like I did. Will learn from this and come back stronger.'

Dele Alli laughs off Ryan Shawcross's challenge after he is clattered in the opening minutes
Dele Alli laughs off Ryan Shawcross's challenge after he is clattered in the opening minutes
The 21-year-old claims he 'knew was Shawcross was doing' but insisted he kept his cool
The 21-year-old claims he 'knew was Shawcross was doing' but insisted he kept his cool

He then received his first red card in February 2017 after a late tackle on Gent's Brecht Dejaegere in the Europa League while he has been booked twice for simulation in the Premier League this season.