Xavi Simons has been turning heads while on international duty with the Netherlands, leaving Tottenham supporters both intrigued and concerned about his performances at N17.
The 22-year-old midfielder has had a challenging start to life in North London since his £52 million move from RB Leipzig over the summer, and his early displays have failed to match the high expectations that accompanied such a hefty transfer fee.
Many fans have questioned his confidence and ability to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, but his latest outings with the Dutch national team reveal a very different side of the player.
Footage shared on social media from the Netherlands’ training sessions ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Lithuania paints a picture of a player who is comfortable, composed, and commanding on the ball.
Simons is seen directing play, dictating the tempo of drills, and showcasing technical skills that Tottenham fans have only glimpsed sporadically this season. His touches are confident, his movement decisive, and his awareness of teammates’ positions sharp, signaling that the talent which impressed at Leipzig is still very much alive.
This stark contrast between his national team displays and his club performances has raised questions about why Simons has struggled so noticeably in the Premier League.
Since joining Spurs, Simons has found it difficult to establish himself in a side that has been inconsistent across the board. Tottenham’s 2025-26 season has been turbulent, with several key players underperforming.
Richarlison has failed to hit the heights expected of him, while Randal Kolo Muani has yet to find his rhythm in London. In this environment, Simons has often appeared hesitant, lacking the spark that made him one of Leipzig’s standout performers.
He has yet to open his goal account for Spurs, and critics have been quick to point to him as another example of the club’s recruitment challenges in recent years.
Yet, the Netherlands footage suggests that his struggles may not be entirely down to ability. Simons looks assured, energetic, and fully capable of controlling games in international matches.
His technical quality, passing range, and vision are all on display, hinting that his lack of impact at Tottenham may be influenced by the way he has been deployed or how the club’s system fits him.
He demonstrates intelligence in tight spaces and confidence in possession, attributes that he rarely seems to show consistently at Hotspur Way.
Ultimately, Simons’ future at Spurs will hinge on translating that international form to the Premier League. No one can play for him, and responsibility lies squarely with the midfielder to assert himself in England’s top flight.
Still, the role Thomas Frank plays in this equation cannot be overlooked. Frank’s management style, tactical setup, and the overall environment at Tottenham may either help unlock Simons’ potential or continue to stifle it.
Comparing his performances for club and country, it is clear that the talent is there; the question is whether Frank can find the key to bring it out reliably on a weekly basis.
The timing could not be more crucial. Tottenham’s campaign is already under pressure, and the team needs consistency from its midfield to compete at the top of the Premier League.
Simons’ ability to perform at his best could be a defining factor in whether the side turns its season around or continues to struggle. If he can replicate even a portion of his international displays in the Premier League, Tottenham may have a player capable of influencing games at the highest level and justifying the significant investment made in the summer.
For now, fans will have to wait and see if Frank can bridge the gap between potential and performance. Simons has shown that he has the confidence, skill, and intelligence to shine, but the Premier League is a different environment, and the pressure to produce week in, week out is immense.
With both player and manager under scrutiny, the coming months will be decisive. Tottenham supporters are hopeful that the glimpses seen with the Netherlands are a preview of what could finally emerge at Hotspur Way a confident, commanding midfielder capable of shaping games and helping the team compete for the upper echelons of English football.
The stakes are high for both Simons and Tottenham. This £52 million gamble is more than just a financial investment; it represents the club’s ambition to build a midfield capable of driving success.
If Simons can translate his international form to Spurs, he could emerge as a key figure for the side and prove that patience, trust, and the right managerial guidance can turn early struggles into long-term triumphs.
