Thomas Frank is seriously deluded if this is what he believes about Xavi Simons at Tottenham
Xavi Simons has failed to hit the ground running at Tottenham since his arrival from RB Leipzig this summer.
Very few supporters would argue against that after Spurs splashed £52million on the Dutch international.
The 22-year-old’s only goal contribution came as Tottenham beat West Ham 3-0 in mid-September, picking up more yellow cards since then than anything else.
Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Everton was shrouded by controversy, but with all three points, Thomas Frank‘s side rose to third in the Premier League table after nine matches.
Weaknesses have certainly been addressed since the sacking of Ange Postecoglou, but it is also apparent that spending money during the transfer window does not fix everything.
Tottenham fans rightly disappointed by Xaxi Simons so far
Last season, Simons notched 11 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances for Leipzig, having already made an immediate impact during his first campaign in the Bundesliga.
The playmaker has thrived since leaving PSG, even becoming an integral part of the Netherlands national team, so supporters have been rather disappointed by his start to life in North London.
His manager, on the other hand, is remaining far more optimistic than the average match-going fan, suggesting that he has seen everything he expected from the young Dutchman.
Speaking in his press conference (31 October), Frank said: “Xavi is taking steps forward. He’s getting into the right areas, and now it’s just the last decisive pass and action that can make the difference. His fitness is growing, his intensity is growing”.
Simons’ stats make for poor reading in the Premier League
In the Premier League so far this season, Simons ranks in the 20th percentile for shots, 52nd percentile for chances created, 32nd percentile for dribbling success, and the 21st percentile for touching in the opposition box [FotMob].
Nothing about those stats screams that the Spurs star has been getting into the “right areas”, nor does it suggest that he has improved since his arrival in the English game.
Despite his exploits across Europe, there were concerns about his ability to adapt to the Premier League after just a matter of weeks, and those doubts appear to be coming to fruition already.
Frank has to back his players when speaking to the media, but if some part of him is truly not disappointed by what he’s seen so far, someone close may need to whisper in his ear.