Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has praised Xavi Simons after handing the young Dutchman his first Premier League start as a number ten in the 2-1 win over Leeds United.
Tottenham Hotspur were not in the best of form coming into their recent Premier League fixture against Leeds United, having drawn their previous two league games.
In those matches, Tottenham had shown determination and grit to claw back points after falling behind, but questions lingered over their creativity in the final third, with many feeling the team lacked the spark needed to unlock deep defensive blocks.
Against Leeds, Frank opted to tweak his approach, introducing Xavi Simons into the starting eleven for the first time in the league as the number, in a bid to add more invention and fluidity to the attack.
Thomas Frank reacts to Xavi Simons performance for Tottenham
Tottenham eventually came away with a well-earned 2-1 win, courtesy of goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, who both found themselves on the scoresheet after a lively attacking display from Frank’s side.
Speaking after the game, Thomas Frank was asked by football.london whether he felt the attacking unit was beginning to gel, particularly with Simons operating behind the front three.
The Danish manager admitted there were encouraging signs and took the opportunity to praise Simons for his performance, describing it as his best showing yet for the club.
He said: “I think it looked promising today at times. I liked Xavi as a ten. I think that was his best game for us. There is still more to come, but I think he had some really good actions in there. Mo again getting his goal, which I am pleased with. It was about time he scored that goal. But no, I am so pleased for him. So you just see he looked a little bit more fluid.”
Xavi Simons showing early promise in new Tottenham role
Although Xavi Simons did not register a goal or assist on the day, his influence on the game was evident through his intelligent movement and ability to connect play between the lines.
The Dutchman created two chances, completed two of his four attempted dribbles, and showed glimpses of the quality that made Tottenham move for his signature in the summer.
It was a performance that suggests he could become a valuable creative option in the middle if he continues to develop under Frank’s guidance.
The early signs are promising, and it is now up to Simons to build on this foundation and make a strong case for regular starts in that advanced role.