The star delivered arguably his best performance in a Tottenham shirt in the 2-2 draw vs. Brighton.
It looked like Tottenham Hotspur would finally end their 14-match winless run in the Premier League in front of their fans when Xavi Simons scored a worldie 13 minutes from time. However, several hearts in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were broken in the 95th minute when Georginio Rutter scored the leveler, sending Spurs back to the bottom three.
After Leeds United beat Wolves earlier on the day, Roberto De Zerbi knew that he needed a victory against his former employers to take Tottenham out of the relegation zone. The players delivered a spirited performance, but lacked game-management skills to keep hold of the points. Kevin Danso made a terrible error that directly led to Brighton’s second goal in stoppage time.
Despite the maddening 2-2 draw, there were several positive performances on the evening. Xavi Simons arguably had his best game in a Spurs shirt. He almost won the game for Tottenham, demonstrating the strange fact that he has been absent from the first XI since his brace against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. In addition to his beautiful goal, the Dutchman provided the assist for Pedro Porro’s looping header in the first half.
Roberto De Zerbi showers praise on Xavi Simons after Brighton draw
On a day when Tottenham desperately needed someone to step up and seize the occasion, Xavi Simons did it emphatically. Apart from his assist and goal, the 23-year-old worked extremely hard off the ball and pressed the visitors’ defence very well. Starting on the left flank, he led the press several times and helped his team win possession back.
Roberto De Zerbi was very happy with Simons’ performance against the Seagulls. The Spurs boss claims he tries to transfer all the confidence to the Netherlands international, knowing what he thinks as a No.10.
“Yes, he [Simons] played very well, a great game,” De Zerbi said in his post-match press conference (h/t Football London).
“I think he can play better and better because one player like this needs to feel confidence from the manager, and I stay here to transfer all the confidence he needs.
“I was a player, I was a No.10. I know what he thinks.”
Xavi Simons can spark Tottenham’s revival
When Simons is operating at his best, Tottenham are a different team entirely going forward. He is one of the very players in the squad who can pick a pass from crowded areas, provide sublime through balls and deliver pinpoint crosses in the box. The Dutch star can also score incredible goals, as evidenced by today’s display.
For all his quality, effort and commitment throughout the 90 minutes, despite struggling with cramps for the last 10 to 15 minutes, Simons, who got an 8/10 rating, is slowly becoming the Lilywhites’ most important player. De Zerbi knows more creativity and energy in the team, and players who are passionate, willing to fight and put their body on the line for the cause, and Simons certainly is of that ilk.
If his energy is not serious and were only cramps, fans will suspect that the Netherlands midfielder will play almost every minute between now and the end of the season after his sensational showing vs. Brighton.