Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is certain summer signing Xavi Simons will improve and adapt to the Premier League’s demands
Tottenham Hotspur grabbed the headlines in the final week of the summer transfer window by securing the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig on a long-term deal. His arrival has undoubtedly fortified the club’s attacking depth, with the player already boasting an impressive track record of showcasing his talent in the Champions League.
However, the Netherlands international has endured a slow start to life at Tottenham. Often deployed in wide areas in his early days in his Spurs career, the creative attacker has not managed to influence the games as he would have liked to. He had an off day against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, while the 22-year-old struggled to make an impact after coming off the bench in the 2-2 draw with Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Xavi Simons has been criticised by talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor for not producing the goods so far in a Tottenham shirt, questioning his and physicality to beat defenders. Meanwhile, former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has backed the player to shine in north London and rates his mentality.
Thomas Frank believes Xavi Simons will improve with time and combinations with his teammates
It has just been over a month for Xavi at Spurs, but he must be feeling the pressure already. While addressing the media ahead of the trip to Leeds United, Frank said Xavi will improve with time, and he is still working out where he fits exactly in his team.
“We are still working out where he fits exactly in his team and getting those kind of right rhythms and combinations for him,” Frank told Hayters TV.
“There’s very few players I’ve seen that I can remember just hitting the ground running but I need to see promising signs, I need to see glimpses.
“I need to see oh that was good I need to see three or four good actions each game, there can be a touch, there can be a turn, there can be a pass, there can be a top action where there’s something to build on, which I think I’ve seen so far.”
Xavi requires time to adjust to the Premier League demands
We have seen great players having adaptability issues in the Premier League after arriving from European leagues. The Premier League is the physically most demanding league, so players often tend to struggle with the pace and intensity regardless of their high levels of talent and skill. Thus, it is fair to judge players coming to the Premier League after at least six months.
In Xavi’s case, the expectations are huge at Tottenham. With his vision, flair, space manipulation and shooting power, the Dutchman will break his Spurs duck soon, but he would be better suited in the No.10 role. Going by Frank’s admission, he is still trying to figure out the best position for the ex-PSG starlet but remains happy with the glimpses of talent showcased by the player.
Once Xavi gets used to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, he’d be unstoppable for the Lilywhites.