Two clips and new data show Florian Wirtz and Xavi Simons are about to supercharge Liverpool and Tottenham
Liverpool and Tottenham both fell on either side of a 2-1 scoreline in the Premier League, but the fortunes of Florian Wirtz and Xavi Simons are very similar.
Liverpool lost 2-1 away at Chelsea after Estevao’s dramatic late winner handed Arne Slot’s side their third successive loss.
On the contrary, Tottenham beat Leeds United 2-1 in a hard-fought victory thanks to Mohammed Kudus’ first goal for the North London club.
Both sides invested heavily in their squads, with Liverpool signing Alexander Isak for a British transfer record, while Tottenham added quality loans in Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani.
Simons and Wirtz showed their quality despite no end result
Isak knocked Liverpool’s other big addition, Florian Wirtz, off the British transfer record pedestal, and the German has underwhelmed in his early days at Anfield.
Wirtz hasn’t registered a goal or an assist yet since moving from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, but the 22-year-old showed his quality off the bench against Chelsea.
A lovely spinning flick on from Wirtz found Mohammed Salah at the back post, and the Egyptian should have done better with his effort, but it was a sign of what is to come when the German gets fully firing.
Meanwhile, in North London, Tottenham’s biggest summer addition, Xavi Simons, also showcased his creativity against Leeds.
The Dutchman’s deft dink took three Leeds defenders out of the game, and Pedro Porro should’ve done better with his chance.
Despite being let down by their teammates, there were signs of abundant quality as both ex-Bundesliga creators put on fine displays.
Simons and Wirtz have similar playing styles, and the data reflects that
It feels like it’s only a matter of time before both players showcase their elite ability, but a glance at the data can show how similar the two players are.
During their time in the Bundesliga, Simons and Wirtz both operated in free-roaming number 10 roles, often showing their best football coming off the left half-spaces.
| Xavi Simons | Career stats | Florian Wirtz |
| 37 | Goals | 35 |
| 26 | Assists | 45 |
| 5.6 | Progressive passes per 90 | 6.48 |
| 4.49 | Progressive carries per 90 | 3.86 |
| 7.47 | Progressive passes received per 90 | 8.89 |
| 3.64 | Carries into the final third per 90 | 2.76 |
| 2.94 | Passes into the final third per 90 | 3.46 |
| 2.19 | Key passes per 90 | 2.41 |
| 5.15 | Shot-creating actions per 90 | 5.11 |
Both players were primarily creators for their teammates, meaning most set pieces and working angles to play in their respective forwards.
Wirtz’s 8.89 progressive passes received, and Simons’ 7.47 in the same area, indicate the positions the pair operate in predominantly.
As the two young creative talents adjust to their new lifestyles and homes, it feels like the signs are there that a breakout performance is only around the corner for both players.