Tottenham Hotspur’s recent form in the Premier League has raised serious questions about their attacking creativity, and head coach Thomas Frank must now find a way to inspire a spark in his team.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance in Europe, Spurs have struggled to translate that energy into domestic success. Against Copenhagen in the Champions League, they created eight clear scoring opportunities, displaying sharpness and purpose in the final third. However, that same edge has been missing in the league, where their build-up play often looks flat and predictable.
Their recent 2-2 draw with Manchester United offered little improvement. According to Sofascore, Tottenham’s expected goals (xG) stood at just 0.92, a modest return for a side with such attacking talent.
The previous week, against Chelsea, that number had plummeted to a mere 0.10 xG, highlighting how disconnected their attack has become. Stats from FBref show Spurs rank 14th in the league for total xG this season with just 11.0 in 11 matches—a concerning sign for a team aspiring to challenge for the top four.
Thomas Frank, known for his tactical adaptability, faces a tough decision. His system is struggling to create consistent chances, and he may need to tweak his formation or make bold personnel changes.
One player who could offer a solution is French winger Wilson Odobert. The young forward has shown glimpses of raw talent and confidence that the team sorely lacks right now.
Odobert’s performance against Manchester United was a bright spot. Coming on at half-time, he brought directness and flair to Tottenham’s attack.
Within 45 minutes, he managed to assist Richarlison’s goal whether intended as a shot or cross, it showcased his quick thinking and technical quality. He played with fearlessness, taking on defenders and injecting energy into a side that had grown stagnant.
| Wilson Odobert vs Manchester United (Premier League) | Stats |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 45 |
| Shots | 1 |
| Key passes | 3 |
| Big chances created | 2 |
| Dribbles completed | 2/2 |
| Pass accuracy | 100% |
| Duels won | 4/4 |
| Source: Sofascore |
The table above paints a clear picture of Odobert’s impact. In just half a game, he was efficient, creative, and confident. His quick decision-making, perfect passing accuracy, and ability to win every duel show he’s ready for a bigger role.
This came on the back of another impressive display in the Champions League against Copenhagen, where he scored and created chances throughout. For the first time since joining Spurs, Odobert is building momentum, and his confidence is growing with each game.
Frank now faces a straightforward decision reward Odobert’s progress with a start after the international break. His pace, dribbling, and direct play could be the catalyst Spurs need to rediscover their attacking rhythm. The Frenchman brings unpredictability, something Tottenham’s current lineup has been missing.
However, for Odobert to step into the starting eleven, someone must make way, and unfortunately, that player might be Xavi Simons. The Dutch attacking midfielder arrived from RB Leipzig for £52 million with high expectations but has struggled to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity.
While he impressed in Europe with three big chances created and an assist against Copenhagen, his domestic performances have been underwhelming. Against Manchester United, he played 79 minutes without creating a single chance, as noted by Sofascore.
Content creator Ronaldo Brown summed it up perfectly when he said Simons “takes one touch too many,” a habit that’s made him look lost in the Premier League’s fast-paced environment.
| Xavi Simons (Premier League 2025/26) | Percentile Rank (vs AMs) |
|---|---|
| xG | 0.31 |
| Shots on target | 1 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Chances created | 6 |
| xA | 0.64 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Touches in opposition box | 9 |
| Source: FotMob |
The numbers speak for themselves. Simons has yet to score in the Premier League and has only one assist, which came from a set-piece. His stats place him near the bottom in most creative and goal-scoring metrics compared to other attacking midfielders.
This decline is striking, especially for a player who registered 21 goals and 21 assists across two seasons in Germany.
Simons’ struggles aren’t just about adapting to the physicality of English football; they also reflect a lack of confidence and decision-making speed.
While his technique remains undeniable, he has been hesitant and predictable, allowing defenders to anticipate his moves. In contrast, Odobert’s boldness and instinct to take risks make him a far more dangerous option at the moment.
Thomas Frank must be pragmatic. With Spurs lacking creativity and Simons offering little end product, the sensible move would be to bench the Dutchman and give Odobert a chance from the start. His energy, drive, and flair could give Tottenham the edge they’ve been missing.
For a team struggling to turn possession into goals, Odobert’s presence could be the fresh spark that reignites their Premier League campaign.
