Dele Alli inspired Tottenham to incredible 3-1 win over Real Madrid at Wembley, just five years after making his MK Dons debut against Cambridge City
England star replaced Jay O'Shea in a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup on this day in 2012... a world away from his Wednesday heroics
FIVE years ago today, an unheard of 16-year-old by the name of Dele Alli was preparing to make his professional debut for MK Dons.
The then-League One side were taking on Cambridge City in the FA Cup first-round, with the teenage prospect named on the bench.
Youngster Alli got his chance too, as his number was called in the 64th-minute of the 0-0 draw, as he replaced former Premier League star Jay O'Shea.
His first touch? A back-heeled pass...
From that moment onward, it's been nothing but a rapid rise to prominence for the now 22-cap England international.
In fact, five years on from his sub appearance against the Southern Football League minnows, Alli was taking to the hallowed Wembley turf to take on the reigning European champions.
Not only was he rubbing shoulders with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric... he was utterly outplaying them.
The Milton Keynes product scored twice in the first hour of the game as his skill, direct-running and finishing left the Galacticos shell-shocked.
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A fiery character, you hope Alli never loses his edge.
While his aggression can land him in hot water at times, Alli plays with a swagger and almost arrogance that belies his tender age.
Just 21-years-old, the Tottenham tormentor is still barely scratching the surface of his potential... a thought that ought to keep opposing defences up at night.
Based on his age, potential, contract, club and international appearances, CIES Football Observatory consider Alli to be the second-most valuable player on the planet.
Only Paris Saint-German star Neymar, bought for £198million last summer, was tipped to cost more.
His performances in recent years, let alone his starring role against Zinedine Zidane's world-beaters, will hardly to anything to deter suitors either.
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In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to watch Alli and NOT consider his style to be very befitting of Real Madrid.
Statistically, the Spurs star has increased his games played and goal involvements every season in North London.
Now, rather than just scoring the occasional worldie, he's also scoring in volume, having netted 22 times in all competitions last season.
Alli already has four in his last four games, to go with seven already in 2017-18 alone.
In his two seasons at Spurs, the youngster has been named in the Premier League PFA Team of the Year twice... while adding the PFA Young Player of the Year award in both seasons.
There can be absolutely no doubt, the future looks bright for Alli, for England and for any club that has the privilege of having him on their books.
The only question now is: Just how good can young Dele Alli become?