Xavi Simons faces Tottenham axe, new data map will ring alarm bells among coaching staff
Tottenham are expected to ring the changes for their Champions League tie against Monaco after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
Thomas Frank was frustrated by his side’s pathetic performance against the Villains on 19 October as the Lilywhites missed the chance to stay within two points of rivals Arsenal.
A number of player were poor as Mathys Tel had a day to forget for Tottenham against Aston Villa, failing to register a single attempt on goal.
Similarly, Mohammed Kudus was slammed for overcomplicating things for Tottenham in the attacking third as Unai Emery’s team maintained their recent turnaround of form.
Frank now turns his attention to the Champions League match on 22 October as he is set to make further changes to revitalise his stuttering side.
Simons toothless as Tottenham’s creativity lacking
Simons was tipped to be pivotal for Tottenham against Aston Villa, yet he majorly disappointed.
The Dutchman was utilised in his familiar centre-attacking midfielder role but had a limited impact on proceedings, mustering just one key pass in 79 minutes.
Whilst the 22-year-old found his man with 83 per cent of his passes, his lack of attacking impact on the game will trouble the Spurs boss.
As demonstrated by his heat map courtesy of Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, the number seven was unwilling to venture into the Villa 18-yard box.
That will be cause for concern for Frank who will want his big money signing from RB Leipzig driving into the box with attacking runs as well as slipping in delightful through balls for his fellow attackers.
The Netherlands international’s lethargic display suggests that others should be brought in to do better as the creative spark, especially as he only mustered 0.03 xA, as well as only notching only one assist all season.
Lucas Bergvall to be restored to Tottenham starting XI against Monaco
The man to profit from Simons’ downturn in form is Lucas Bergvall who had to settle for a spot on the bench against the Villains.
The Sweden international has been given a new role under Frank this season as a number 10 and is going toe-to-toe with the Dutchman to nail down a starting role.
In the 19-year-old’s last start against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on 30 September he was everywhere.
Bergvall ran the show, delivering two key passes and one big chance in just 60 minutes.
The former Brentford boss will be tempted to opt for the Swede against Monaco in the Champions League to try and revitalise a Spurs attack lacking any spark.