Micky van de Ven reveals what he told Xavi Simons during Tottenham struggles

Xavi Simons was the star player in Tottenham Hotspur’s most recent victory, delivering a confident display, which may be partially thanks to one of his international teammates.

Tottenham Hotspur will be feeling good ahead of an important Champions League battle against Slavia Prague, having defeated Brentford last weekend.

Xavi Simons was crucial to the victory, registering an assist with a great cross before getting a goal himself to put the game to bed before half-time.

Following the match, Thomas Frank hailed Simons for his work off the pitch, and one of the Dutchman’s teammates has also sounded his praises.

Micky van de Ven reveals what he told Xavi Simons to rebuild his confidence at Tottenham

Simons has not always been firing since he made the move to North London, but his improved performances are a result of how hard he works at Hotspur Way.

When van de Ven was asked whether he had had to put an arm around his Spurs and Netherlands teammates, he responded (Football London): “No, to be honest, he kept training hard. He kept training every day to become a better player, every day over and over again.”

However, while Simons has improved at Tottenham due to his own hard work, the guidance van de Ven has offered him should not go unnoticed.

“Of course, in the moments where he’s a bit down because he didn’t start, I’m there for him, and I speak with him,” van de Ven continued.

“I said, ‘Xavi, trust me, your time will come, don’t you worry’, and obviously today you saw his qualities.

“Obviously, he didn’t start the last games, but I know Xavi has the quality to create things for us. He can be really important for us, I know that.

“For you guys [the media], of course, it’s more difficult to see that, but I think he showed it today by himself as well. He delivered an unbelievable performance today and was really important for the team.”

Simons will prove his doubters wrong at Spurs

The media have been eager to point out Simon’s failings, as they watch on with the eyes of eagles, waiting for him to make a mistake. However, there is nothing negative to say about the 22-year-old after a magnificent performance against Brentford.

Simons reminded everyone why Tottenham were willing to spend £51m to bring him to the club, and he should continue to get better and better as the season progresses.

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