Jamie O’Hara praises Xavi Simons for his performance in the Tottenham win over FC Copenhagen in the Champions League
Tottenham Hotspur were worthy winners against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, with several players impressing.
Micky van de Ven stole the limelight when he ran the length of the pitch from the home side’s box to score a wonder goal. Prior to the Dutchman’s strike, Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert had given Tottenham a nice two-goal cushion, although Johnson was sent off in the 57th minute for a reckless challenge. It did not matter in the end, as substitute Joao Palhinha iced the cake 10 minutes after Johnson’s red card.
All eyes were on Xavi Simons in midweek, hoping to see him click into gear after a slow start to his career in the Premier League. Having joined from RB Leipzig in the summer to fill the void created by James Maddison’s long-term injury, the 22-year-old has struggled to get to grips with the pace and physicality of the Premier League. Dutch analyst has accused his compatriot of not being physical enough to cut the mustard in the English top flight thus far.
Xavi Simons receives praise from former Tottenham midfielder
Xavi Simons was introduced as early as the sixth minute against Chelsea after Lucas Bergvall was forced off the bench with a head injury. To his dismay, he was substituted by Frank in the second half.
So, the pressure was certainly on Xavi Simons heading into this Champions League fixture. Starting as a No.10, it was crystal clear his task was linking the play between midfield and attack. For a change, in a positive sense, the Netherlands international was livelier and more involved in the game. He did step up his progression with an assist for Johnson’s opening goal.
Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara was pleased with what he saw from the creative midfielder, just days after comparing Xavi to Manchester United’s big-money flop Antony. Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Hara said:
“I think Simons done all right tonight. He done all right. He was better, but there was space for him all over the pitch to be fair.”
Xavi proves a point
Xavi was lambasted for his poor outing in the defeat to Chelsea, with fans showing concern that the club has got another big-money signing wrong. The barrage of criticism and pressure from different corners of the world has not done any favour to the playmaker’s confidence. Instead of sulking and breaking down, the youngster has shown his desire to prove his naysayers wrong, and he did that on Tuesday.
It was a kind of display against Copenhagen that the fans have been yearning to watch- full of vigour, intent, confidence and flair. Receiving the ball in the middle of the park on half turn, Xavi produced a wonderful assist for Johnson’s opening goal, which set the tone for the game. Hopefully, this is the beginning of the Dutch star’s breakout run at N17.
With Manchester United next, Simons now has the opportunity to drive home the good run of form. Should the Red Devils offer the Dutchman the space he needs, they will be in for a long night indeed.
