Thomas Frank backs Xavi Simons to build on the FC Copenhagen display when Manchester United visit Tottenham on Saturday
Tottenham Hotspur are set for a crucial clash against Manchester United at the weekend, as Thomas Frank looks to return to winning ways in the Premier League.
Spurs will be hoping to secure another win before the November international break, having thrashed FC Copenhagen 4-0 in the Champions League. They swept aside FC Copenhagen, and Thomas Frank should be looking for a similar display from his side when Manchester United pays a visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
One player who impressed in the big win over Copenhagen was Xavi Simons. The 22-year-old has not had an easy start to life in north London following his high-profile move from RB Leipzig in the summer. Coming in as a player to fill the gap created by James Maddison’s serious injury, he was expected to hit the ground running and leave a mark.
After his royal struggles in the early months of his Spurs career, Xavi Simons delivered his most complete display in midweek. The Netherlands international assisted Brennan Johnson’s opener for the home side, linked up play well, exploited spaces in midfield and created three big chances in the first half. It was a performance that would’ve certainly done a whole world of good for his confidence.
Thomas Frank backs Xavi to build on the Copenhagen showing
Addressing the media ahead of the Manchester United game, Thomas Frank has backed Xavi to build on the midweek display, suggesting there are even more layers in his game to emerge from the Dutch playmaker. He praised the 22-year-old’s growing confidence and explained why it could help him reach the next level.
“I think every player needs confidence. When you go to a new club, it is not always that easy to hit the ground running,” Thomas Frank told the club’s official website.
“But the more confidence you get, the better you play. I thought he had a good performance. It is a good step, but there is more to come from him.”
Xavi would have felt ten feet taller after the Copenhagen game. The Danish side were poor and left lots of spaces in different areas to exploit for the home side, and the midfielder did exactly that and on another day, he could’ve easily bagged three assists. The challenge now for him is to build on it and prove himself against a superior side in Man United, who are on a four-game unbeaten run in the league.
With Mohammed Kudus touch-and-go, Xavi may have to shoulder the creative responsibility of his team on Saturday. All eyes will be on him.