Tottenham have now seen the real Xavi Simons, his heat map and full stats vs Copenhagen speak volumes
Xavi Simons finally showed the Tottenham fans what they’ve been waiting for with a stellar performance vs Copenhagen in the Champions League on 4 November.
Tottenham bounced back from a poor defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League with a 4-0 rampant victory over Copenhagen.
One of the players who struggled, Simons came under intense scrutiny against Chelsea on 1 November after a shambolic display, but was given a chance to redeem himself in Europe last night.
The 22-year-old was one of Thomas Frank‘s standout men against the Danish outfit, suggesting he has finally turned a corner in north London.
Simons dazzles as Tottenham get back to winning ways
The Dutchman was at the heart of everything Spurs did under the European lights as fans finally saw his exciting potential.
Simons was a creative powerhouse for the Lilywhites, accruing 0.59 xA courtesy of four key passes and three big chances created.
Incredibly, those he created those big chances all in the first half, teeing up Brennan Johnson for the opener on the night.
| Selected stats vs Copenhagen (4 November) | Xavi Simons |
| Minutes played | 61 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Big chances created | 3 |
| Key passes | 4 |
| Accurate passes (%) | 32/36 (89%) |
| Ground duels (won) | 5 (4) |
Moreover, the 22-year-old completed 32 of his 36 passes, showing much greater care with the ball than had been seen in previous outings for Tottenham.
Delighting Frank, Simons won four of his five ground duels, highlighting his relentless running as he sought to steal back possession from Copenhagen.
As the ex-PSG starlet’s heat map demonstrates, courtesy of Football Insider’s Opta data partnership, he was popping up in all the right positions around the opponent’s 18-yard box.
By delivering incisive, defence splitting passes, the number seven was finally showing flashes of his attacking brilliance, a positive sign that he has turned a corner.
Dejan Kulusevski’s impending return to provide intense competition in number 10 role
The Dutchman has been thrown in at the deep end at Tottenham, largely due to the injury-induced absences of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.
Kulusevski is expected to return before the end of the year for Spurs and will be determined to win back the number 10 position.
The Swede was one of the standout performers in a torrid final season under Ange Postecoglou, racking up 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances.
Frank has been unable to see the former Juventus man in action thus far, yet his expected return will certainly cause the manager headaches.
If Simons can replicate his display against Copenhagen, then Kulusevski may find it difficult to push his way back into the starting XI immediately.