Copyright Yardbarker
Xavi Simons was one of the standout players for Tottenham against Copenhagen in the Champions League Tottenham summer signing Xavi Simons has not yet managed to make the impact many expected when he arrived at N17. The Dutchman has struggled to find rhythm and consistency under Thomas Frank, which has led to scrutiny from both supporters and the media. The 22-year-old has registered only two assists so far this season, showing that he may still need more time to adapt to life at the club. His most recent goal contribution came against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League earlier this week. His well-weighted through ball set up Brennan Johnson to open the scoring in a comfortable 4-0 win for the North London club. It was arguably Simons’ best performance in a Spurs shirt this season, with the Dutchman playing confidently and linking midfield with attack effectively. Despite these positive signs, Simons has been compared to Manchester United’s struggling winger Antony by pundit Jamie O’Hara, who suggested that the youngster has not justified his price tag yet. The criticism appears harsh, as the 22-year-old is still adjusting to the Premier League after arriving from a different league and culture. Thomas Frank has helped Xavi Simons find his confidence at Tottenham Thomas Frank is known for his ability to develop players. The Danish coach has a strong track record of nurturing talent, helping players regain confidence and improving their performances over time. He did this successfully at Brentford and is now applying the same approach at Tottenham. Frank tends to stand by players who show effort and commitment, even when they are not at their best. Former Spurs scout Bryan King has praised Frank for how he has handled Simons during this early adjustment period. Speaking to Tottenham News, King said, “Any manager is always looking for players to show attitude, and Simons seems to have shown the right one, which was clear in his performance against Copenhagen. That’s what Frank has brought him in for; to stamp his authority on games, and it was the perfect game for him to do that. He was one of the Tottenham players who stood out.” The ex-scout added, “The manager has faith in him, he’s waited for him to hit that form that he knows he can hit, and he’s persevering with him. Simons is a good player. The only way Spurs will be able to get him to his best is by playing him in games, and that’s what Frank’s been doing, but people have been ready to criticise him for doing it. Frank has stood by him, and in that aspect, he’s shown pretty good management.” Simons showed a glimpse of his talent once again in the Champions League win against Copenhagen, playing confidently in the #10 role and helping extend Spurs’ unbeaten run in the competition. Bryan King believes Frank’s patience has been key, allowing Simons the time and space needed to find his form. Frank deserves recognition for guiding Simons through this early stage of his development at Tottenham, giving him regular minutes and supporting him both on and off the pitch. The responsibility is now on Spurs’ No.7 to repay that trust and help the team improve their form in the Premier League. Delivering a strong performance against Manchester United this weekend would be a perfect place to start.
