Tottenham player with amazing 100% pass completion must be given key role vs Aston Villa
Xavi Simons made brief but eyecatching cameos during the international break for The Netherlands – and could now be set for a key role at Tottenham this weekend.
Simons was one of the highlights of Tottenham’s transfer window in a foundation-laying summer for Frank‘s new era at the club.
Tottenham hijacked Chelsea to bring in Simons as a priority playmaker signing for the new Danish manager.
The former RB Leipzig maestro was called up to international duty but saw restricted minutes, which isn’t all bad news for the Lilywhites as they prepare to take on Aston Villa on 19 October.
Simons precise and clinical despite limited minutes for The Netherlands
The Oranje continued their flawless World Cup qualifying form courtesy of two 4-0 wins over Malta and Finland.
Competition is fierce in Ronald Koeman’s squad which saw the 22-year-old only make an impact off the bench in both fixtures.
For many players this would be extremely frustrating, yet the number seven took advantage of every minute he could gather as he demonstrated why Spurs splashed the cash on him.
Against Malta on 9 October, the ex-PSG starlet saw just 10 minutes of action, yet was effortless in contributing to the Dutch attack.
He maintained a perfect passing accuracy rate as well as delivering one key pass despite the restricted minutes in his brief cameo.
Similarly, Simons featured for just 11 minutes against Finland but also maintained a 100 per cent passing accuracy level as he looked after the ball with great care.
| Xavi Simons selected stats | The Netherlands vs Malta 9 October | The Netherlands vs Finland 12 October |
| Minutes played | 10 | 11 |
| Pass accuracy | 5/5 (100%) | 10/10 (100%) |
| Key passes | 1 | 1 |
| Assists | 0 | 1 |
| Touches | 6 | 15 |
The Tottenham wizard executed one key pass as well as providing the pivotal assist to tee up Cody Gakpo for the Oranje’s fourth goal on the night.
Simons the key to Tottenham breaking down Aston Villa
Frank will be delighted that his prized playmaker was not overworked during the international break whilst also displaying a high performance level.
The juxtaposition of players being selected by their national teams can reflect a manager’s hard work but also opens them up to becoming injured whilst on duty.
Yet, with the 22-year-old returning to north London unscathed, the ex-Brentford boss can focus his attention on dominating the Villains following the Premier League’s two-week hiatus.
Unai Emery’s side are on a four-match unbeaten run in all competitions after a torrid start to the 2025-26 campaign, conceding two goals in that period.
Travelling away to Spurs, Villa will be cautious in how they approach the clash which could push the Spaniard to adopt a counter-attacking style to cope with Frank’s tactics.
If that is to be the case, Simons will be imperative to dictating play and holding on to the ball.
The ex-PSV whizz has started three of his four Premier League matches so far this season, accruing 252 minutes in total with one assist so far to his name.
He has been playing mostly as a left-winger which isn’t his best position whereas playing played behind the striker will reap greater results for the Lilywhites against Villa.
As exhibited by his cameos with his national team, one pass can be the difference-maker in notching a goal or not and securing all three points.
Spurs would benefit the most from his precise passing play if played in a centre-attacking midfield role in order to break down the stern Emery rearguard.
With Tottenham and the Villains chasing Champions League qualification this season, this match could prove to be pivotal come May next year and the Dutchman’s creativity will be key to breaking down the visitors.