“Let it all work out.”
Tottenham posted the above after confirming the signing of Xavi Simons over the summer.
In this article, we’ll cover:
James Maddison’s ACL injury in pre-season saw Spurs dip into the market for the Dutchman. Simons was expected to move to Chelsea. He had agreed personal terms with the Blues, after all. However, Chelsea dawdled over a fee with RB Leipzig for the creative star. Their hesitancy saw Spurs pounce for the Netherlands international.
Fresh from the disappointment of missing out on Eberechi Eze, the England international snatched from under Spurs’ nose by rivals Arsenal, the north London side got a deal for Simons over the line quickly.
Xavi’s early-season struggles
He wasn’t supposed to be a priority for Spurs over the summer. Maddison’s injury combined with Dejan Kulusevski’s ongoing patella issue saw the club break the bank for Simons. An assist on his debut – a 3-0 win at West Ham – raised excitement levels. Thomas Frank did his best to temper expectations.
Ever the pragmatist, Simons was either shunted to the left or dropped from the starting XI entirely. Frank will tell you it was to protect the new signing. Others feel it was because the Dane wanted to pack the midfield to frustrate opponents. In the following weeks, however, regular starters started dropping like flies.
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Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur both sustained long-term injuries. Pape Sarr jetted off to AFCON with Senegal. Lucas Bergvall has also struggled for fitness this season. Suddenly, Simons was thrust back into the side, and, crucially, in his favoured number 10 role.
And while he did look lightweight and a little overwhelmed by the Premier League, Simons now looks every bit the £51m player they bought over the summer.
Injuries paved the way for Dutchman
Injuries have hit Frank’s side hard this season. Spurs were without 12 players due to various ailments in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City. The Dane had just 12 senior outfield players available. One of those was Cristian Romero, who was forced off at the break due to illness.
The Argentine would make headlines for his Instagram outburst on Monday. “Disgraceful” was the word used to describe the state of the squad following the close of the transfer window. Spurs brought in Conor Gallagher and Souza from Atletico Madrid and Santos, respectively.
Yet in the midst of another injury crisis, Frank needed more, and captain Romero said as much on Monday. The Argentine may have been criticised by some quarters of the press. He’s spitting truths as far as fans are concerned. That said, if there is one positive to come from this biblical-level plight, then it’s Simons’ deployment in the number 10 role.
It’s been a long time coming, too. Spurs have lacked attacking thrust this season, that much is obvious. They’ve attempted fewer through balls (15) than any other Premier League team. Of those 15, six have been via Simons, more than any other player under Frank.
Crucially, all six of have come from starts in the number 10 role, and five of those this calendar year. While only three have found its target, it’s welcoming to see a player at least try to split a defence.
City performance Xavi’s best
What stands out, though, is that Simons is starting to kick on when it matters most. The creator-in-chief shone against Eintracht Frankfurt, a game Spurs needed to win to guarantee a top-eight finish in the Champions League. Putting in a performance against a Bundesliga side in dire straits is one thing. Simons, though, upped the ante in the recent stalemate with City.
Few things in life are certain. Death, taxes, and Pep Guardiola’s inability to beat Spurs. So, when City eased into a two-goal lead at a toxic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last Sunday, few expected a fightback. Captain Romero came off at the break as Frank moved from a three-man defence to a more tried-and-tested four-at-the-back.
While an enforced system change, the move benefitted Simons. Indeed, he went on to provide the assist for Dominic Solanke’s first of the afternoon, a fourth Premier League assist of the season from one of four chances created. The latter was a record for Simons in a Premier League match.
In addition, Simons completed five take ons and was fouled four times. City pinpointed the summer signing as Spurs’ primary attacking outlet and sought to stop him by hook or by crook. If you can’t beat ‘em, hack ‘em.
Defensive contribution
What’s more, Simons isn’t proving to be a luxury attacking player by any stretch. Rather, he’s carrying out the requisite defensive demands that serves to increase his importance in the capital. Not only has Simons made 68 ball recoveries, the sixth most for Spurs, he’s also top for possession won in the attacking third (16). 25 tackles are just one off centre-back and compatriot Micky van de Ven.
Initially, it seemed as though things wouldn’t work out at all. Simons looked to struggle with the physical rigours of English football. Playing in a rigid, defence-first system didn’t help either. However, his rise in importance and form has been the ray of sunshine in what’s been a gloomy spell for Spurs.
Long may it continue in Saturday’s trip to Manchester United.
