Tottenham legend Ledley King says emerging star Dele Alli’s “healthy disrespect” for rival Premier League players gives him an edge.

King came through the White Hart Lane youth system to appear 321 times for Spurs between 1999 and 2012 and is very impressed with the current crop of young players, particularly Alli.

The 19-year-old joined the club from MK Dons last February for just £5m and immediately made an impact. In 43 games this season the attacking midfielder has scored seven goals, assisted 11 more and earned a call-up to Roy Hodgson’s England team.

“He plays with almost a 'disrespect' for the Premier League,” King told the Daily Mail, “but it's a healthy disrespect.

“He is not a player that has come in and thought too much about the reputations of the players he's playing against.

“He treats everyone the same, he goes out there trying to make his mark and stamping his authority on the game. I love that in a young player. He's got that little edge to him and that edge is making him the player he is now.

“When you've got that belief in yourself, you can be a difficult person to stop.”

The form of Dele Alli and other young players such as top-scorer Harry Kane and defensive midfielder Eric Dier have pushed Spurs to second in the table and fuelled talk of a first title since 1961.

In Pictures: Liverpool vs Tottenham 7 show all In Pictures: Liverpool vs Tottenham 1/7 Hurri-Kane strikes again Harry Kane is congratulated after his equaliser. 2/7 Anfield battle Eric Dier and Emre Can go toe to toe. 3/7 Hugo on the stretch. Hugo Lloris makes a sensational first-half save. 4/7 What, me? Philippe Coutinho can't believe he has been booked for simulation. 5/7 Don't mess with the boss Jurgen Klopp wasn't exactly happy about Coutinho's booking. 6/7 Brazilian magic Coutinho responded to his booking by scoring a fine opener. 7/7 Coming from behind Spurs were dejected after Coutinho's strike. 1/7 Hurri-Kane strikes again Harry Kane is congratulated after his equaliser. 2/7 Anfield battle Eric Dier and Emre Can go toe to toe. 3/7 Hugo on the stretch. Hugo Lloris makes a sensational first-half save. 4/7 What, me? Philippe Coutinho can't believe he has been booked for simulation. 5/7 Don't mess with the boss Jurgen Klopp wasn't exactly happy about Coutinho's booking. 6/7 Brazilian magic Coutinho responded to his booking by scoring a fine opener. 7/7 Coming from behind Spurs were dejected after Coutinho's strike.

Even if the team fall short of the title this season, King believes the rise of so many young players shows the future is bright for the north London club.

"Our main aim would have been to finish in the top four this season, so second is a bonus," added King.

"They've had a tremendous season and whatever happens from now, a season competing at the top of the table is a great learning curve for the players.

"Spurs will be stronger next season. You do expect Man United, Chelsea and Man City to make improvements but at Tottenham we do have a solid foundation and we're going in the right direction.

"The club's in a great place and I see them competing for the title."