‘You are an example, big bro’ – Tottenham new boy Xavi Simons wowed by Netherlands teammate
Xavi Simons paid tribute as former Tottenham transfer target Memphis Depay broke a new record for the Netherlands national team.
Tottenham secured one of the biggest hijacks of the summer transfer window to beat local rivals Chelsea to Simons’ signature, signing the 22-year-old from RB Leipzig on a five-year deal for a £51.8million fee.
Simons is yet to make his Spurs debut and has been joined in Thomas Frank‘s potential frontline by PSG loanee Randal Kolo Muani after his arrival on deadline day, as a new era gets underway in North London.
Simons will fill the void left in attacking midfield by James Maddison‘s injury after their move for Eberechi Eze was hijacked by Arsenal, and Tottenham fans are keeping a close eye on the Netherlands‘ fortunes in the international break.
Xavi Simons sends heartfelt tribute to Memphis Depay
Simons joins another Dutch international in Micky van de Ven at Tottenham after they edged Chelsea late in the window, but another Oranje regular in the form of Depay could have also been on his way to Spurs.
Tottenham were linked with a move for the then-Atletico Madrid forward last summer, but ex-Tottenham full-back Alan Hutton urged them to steer clear of Depay and said he isn’t suited to the Premier League.
Depay has had much more success on the international stage though, and now plying his trade for Vasco Da Gama in Brazil, he scored his 51st and 52nd Netherlands goals in a 3-2 win over Lithuania on Sunday.
The 31-year-old overtook Robin van Persie as the Oranje’s leading scorer in the process, and Simons posted an emotional message to the striker on Instagram to celebrate his entry into the history books.
Simons said: “Your name will always remain in the history of Dutch football, big bro. You are an example of hard work and commitment to the next generations”.
Depay replied to Simons’ message, saying: “Let’s go young king! Are they ready for more?”
Thomas Frank given Tottenham dilemma after Xavi Simons signing
Football Insider Verdict
Maddison’s ACL injury will rule Tottenham’s number 10 out of action until the new year at the earliest, and that leaves plenty of time for Simons and several other contenders to stake their starting claims.
Mohammed Kudus and Simons are seen as Tottenham’s star additions despite the instant impact made by Bayern Munich loanee Joao Palhinha, as Frank reshapes a midfield which was cut to ribbons last term.
It remains to be seen how Simons, Kudus and Kolo Muani can fit into the team alongside Spurs’ existing attacking midfield options, and Frank is certaintly spoilt for a choice when it comes to deciding his best XI.