Tottenham's Gerrard? Alli scores first English brace against Madrid in eight years

Dele Alli is already doing a great deal to cement his place as England’s next great midfielder and on Wednesday night, he laid down another marker.

Suiting up in his first Champions League game of the season after missing out on continental competition due to suspension, Alli walked right into the fire as he and his Tottenham team-mates hosted Real Madrid at Wembley, looking to lock down a spot in the knockout stages.

Spurs -1 4/6 v Crystal Palace 

And Alli was the one who delivered for Spurs in the first half, as he put home a Kieran Trippier cross to give his side the 1-0 advantage.

Just scoring against Madrid put Alli in a select group of Englishmen, as only five others have managed it in Champions League play.

But Alli was not done yet. In the 56th minute he added his second on the night to double Tottenham’s lead, en route to a 3-1 victory.

It was the first time Madrid had conceded a brace to an Englishman since 2009, when Steven Gerrard managed it in a 4-0 win over Los Blancos, though one of Gerrard's was via a spot kick.

Spurs fans will likely hope Alli emulates Gerrard in remaining a one-club player as he continues toward fulfilling his potential, though performances like this one will only further draw the interest of Real Madrid, among others.