One year ago, Alli was getting ready to play at Rochdale for MK Dons having been loaned back to the League One club after signing for Tottenham for an initial £5m in February 2015.
This season he has scored 10 times in 32 top-flight games to help Spurs challenge Leicester for the title.
In addition, Alli has made six senior appearances for England, scoring in a 2-0 friendly win over France last November.
Alli was unable to collect the award in person as Tottenham host West Brom on Monday, but former Spurs player and manager Ossie Ardiles collected the prize on his behalf.
“Thank you Ossie, the Tottenham legend for receiving this award for me,” Alli said in a video message screened at the awards.
“Sorry I can’t be there tonight but we have a big game tomorrow.”
