Xavi Simons is hoping to prove his worth at Tottenham Hotspur this season
It is not often that Tottenham have a potential world-class talent in their ranks who simply needs a bit of time to settle at N17 before showcasing his full ability on the biggest stage. But that is exactly the case with Xavi Simons, as the Dutchman looks to reach his peak under Thomas Frank following his high-profile summer move from RB Leipzig.
The 22-year-old has already managed to prove his worth across different leagues in his relatively short career so far. Having been in the spotlight since his teenage years, the former PSG starlet is no stranger to scrutiny and pressure. Yet, he has consistently let his football do the talking when it matters most.
That mentality is one of the main reasons why Tottenham brought him in. The Lilywhites need players with resilience and character if they want to build on last season’s Europa League success. It is fair to say that Spurs’ move for Simons came as a surprise to many, especially given that the Dutchman was heavily linked with a transfer to Chelsea earlier in the summer.
Tottenham need to give Xavi Simons some time to settle in at N17
Xavi Simons has not had the best of starts at Tottenham under Thomas Frank this season. The Dutchman has often been deployed on the left-flank by Frank – a position that he clearly struggled to make an impact from. However, in the few games that he played in his natural #10 role for the Lilywhites, he has looked in his natural element whilst being the standout player on the pitch.
Now, Danny Murphy has urged the Spurs faithful to remain patient with Simons as he adapts to life at N17. Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy said,
“I mean, they’ll expect a little bit more from Simons, because they spent big money on him. But he is a talent, and he’s going to take a little bit of time to get going.”
Murphy’s comments ring true. Tottenham supporters may be hoping for instant results after spending heavily on Simons, but it is important to remember that he is still adjusting to a new league, a new environment, and a new system under Frank. The 22-year-old will need time to find his rhythm before he can consistently deliver the kind of performances that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young prospects.
Thomas Frank must look to utilise Simons in the #10 role for Spurs if they want to see the best of him in the upcoming games. The 22-year-old is known for his creativity, as well as, his ability to find pockets of space in the final third of the pitch. Deploying him in the centre will certainly prove to be useful as he can always link-up with the wide players and bring the striker into the game through his subtle movements.
