Frank Lampard has urged Dele Alli to “cut out the silly stuff” as he makes his return to the Champions League.

Chelsea’s legendary midfielder has made the plea to Tottenham’s young pretender after Alli missed the draw with Real Madrid, at the Bernabeu, as part of his suspension for being dismissed in the Europa League last season.

Alli has also missed the wins over Borussia Dortmund and Apoel after receiving a straight red in February for a horror tackle on Gent's Brecht Dejaegere.

This season he was banned for England’s World Cup qualifier against Slovenia earlier this month after being caught on camera making a middle finger gesture.

Alli's horror challenge left him suspended for the opening three Euro games (
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Offside Sports Photography)
Alli in training on Tuesday (
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Getty Images Europe)
Alli and Kane are Spurs' main goal threats (
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EPA/REX/Shutterstock)

Lampard was one of the most prolific midfielders in Premier League history. With Chelsea he clinched 11 major trophies, including three Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2012. He also landed four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League.

He fears Alli’s continued run-ins are making him a target and robbing the big stage of his considerable abilities.

“Alli is a fine talent.” he said. “A player I admire immensely and someone I expect to do great things for England.

“But he cannot afford to be missing big matches through suspension as has been the case in the Champions League this season.

“I don’t mind the odd strong tackle here and there but he needs to stay out of trouble when it comes to the silly stuff.

“I don’t agree with those who say he needs to play on the edge to be at his best - you can give everything but still control yourself.”

The latest spat involving Alli (
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Getty)
Causing his own problems? (
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Reuters)

Alli was involved in yet another spat last weekend, this time with Manchester United’s Ashley Young during Tottenham’s Premier League defeat at Old Trafford.

Writing in his column for the Evening Standard, Lampard warned Alli he is danger of being labelled unless he can curb his temper.

He added: “Everyone can have little moments, there was another one against Manchester United at the weekend. The problem is you start getting a reputation and that draws negative attention towards yourself.

“I have seen a few Tottenham games and you can sense among the opposition crowd that they react to things he does. That also comes with being a top player as well but the last thing you need to add to the mix is reacting to situations.

Can Alli control his temper? (
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Action Images via Reuters)

“He will get enough of the spotlight anyway, so stay out of trouble and let your football do the talking.

“Of course his team-mates can have a word but if anything, I’m sure it comes from the manager Mauricio Pochettino, who has handled him very well.

“But Spurs cannot afford him to be missing the big games like he has already. I don’t think Dele has hit top gear yet this term. When he is, he scores regularly and is a massive creative force for Spurs. He hasn’t quite done that this season yet.”

Alli is being circled by super-agent Jorge Mendes with interest in his talents from some of the biggest clubs in Europe intensifying.

One of Europe's most wanted (
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AFP)

Lampard has urged him not to led the speculation overshadow his game. He went on: “The talk about a new contract and change of agent could be a distraction, too.

“It’s up to him and his family to sort out. Decisions are not easy at that age. All I can say from experience is that when you’re playing, particularly when you’re just making a name for yourself, the more you can cut out talk about the commercial side and agents the better.

“I don’t know the ins and outs of what is happening with him but as a player you need that part of your life to be quiet. You want people just talking about your football. With doubts over Harry Kane’s fitness, Mauricio Pochettino will be relying on Alli to perform against Real. They will need that bit of magic that he can provide.”

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