Xavi Simons arrived at Tottenham Hotspur this summer as one of the club’s most exciting signings, a player expected to bring flair, creativity, and vision to the team.
The Dutch international joined with a strong reputation after his time at RB Leipzig, where his performances had drawn attention across Europe.
Spurs viewed him as the perfect addition after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, believing Simons could deliver the same level of quality if not more.
However, his early weeks in North London have not been smooth sailing. The adaptation to a new league, a new team, and a different tactical setup has been challenging.
Under Thomas Frank, Simons has mostly featured as a left winger, a role that hasn’t fully suited his natural game. As a result, he has struggled to influence matches in the way fans expected from such a high-profile summer signing.
But rather than losing faith, Tottenham see his current challenges as part of the adjustment process every young talent faces when stepping into the Premier League spotlight.
The turning point came during the 2-1 victory over Leeds United, when Frank decided to deploy Simons in a more central position behind the striker his preferred role.
That small tactical change made a big difference. Simons looked sharper, more comfortable, and more expressive on the ball. He created chances, pressed with energy, and dictated play in key moments.
Frank later praised the midfielder, calling it his best performance in a Tottenham shirt so far. It was a glimpse of what he can offer once he fully finds his rhythm.
Inside the club, there’s still enormous belief in Simons’ potential. According to reports, Tottenham staff have been impressed by his attitude, commitment, and professionalism, both on and off the pitch.
They see him as a long-term investment rather than a short-term fix. Journalist Graeme Bailey revealed that Spurs believe they have “a potential superstar” on their hands.
Frank is said to be carefully managing Simons’ development, testing him in various roles to understand where he can have the biggest impact in the team’s system.
That approach reflects Frank’s overall philosophy building a balanced side where every player understands their tactical responsibility. It may take a bit more time before Simons becomes a regular starter, but his manager’s trust in his talent is already clear.
Frank reportedly “loves what he’s seeing” from the young midfielder, praising his work ethic and willingness to learn. Simons himself feels settled and satisfied with his decision to join Tottenham, convinced that this move will help him reach the next level of his career.
The club’s faith is well-founded. At just 22 years old, Simons has already shown his quality across Europe.
His technical ability, vision, and intelligence on the ball made him a standout player in the Bundesliga, where he learned how to handle pressure and perform against top-tier opponents.
What he needs now is consistency, confidence, and time to adapt to the physical intensity and tempo of English football. The Premier League can be unforgiving to newcomers, but Tottenham believe he has the mentality to thrive in it.
Simons’ natural position as a number 10 allows him to exploit spaces, link up with forwards, and dictate tempo in the final third. In the match against Leeds, he demonstrated flashes of what makes him special quick turns, sharp passing, and moments of creativity that opened up defenses.
These glimpses have only reinforced the club’s belief that, once he settles, he could become the creative heartbeat of their midfield for years to come.
For now, patience is key. Tottenham understand that every great player goes through an adaptation phase. The club’s internal projection for Simons isn’t about instant success; it’s about long-term growth.
They expect him to develop into a leader and one of the most influential attacking players in the Premier League. His character and determination have already earned him respect among his teammates and coaches, who see his dedication in every training session.
In many ways, Tottenham’s current stance on Simons mirrors their overall vision under Thomas Frank steady progress, trust in talent, and commitment to building a strong identity.
Simons’ best football is still ahead of him, and the signs suggest it won’t be long before he starts delivering the kind of performances that justify all the excitement around his arrival.
For Spurs supporters, the message is simple: stay patient. The club remains convinced that Xavi Simons will grow into one of the most dynamic and creative players to wear the Tottenham shirt in recent years.
The early challenges are just part of the journey and the belief inside the club is stronger than ever that this young star will shine brightly in North London.
