Tottenham Hotspur could turn to four key players to fill the void left by Xavi Simons, after the midfielder suffered a devastating ACL injury that will rule him out for the remainder of the season.
The 23-year-old playmaker ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Spurs’ recent clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, dealing a major blow to Roberto De Zerbi as he battles to keep the club in the Premier League.
De Zerbi Loses His “Special Connection”
Before the injury, Simons had quickly begun to impress under De Zerbi, forming what the Italian described as a “special connection” with the attacking midfielder. Drawing from his own experience as a former number 10, De Zerbi made it clear he valued players who could both create and score.
“He’s lucky to work with me—not because I’m good, but because I was a number 10,” De Zerbi explained earlier this month. “A number 10 must score and assist. It’s not just about playing nicely.”
Simons had already shown signs of becoming a crucial figure, registering both a goal and an assist on his first start under the new manager. Now, with survival on the line, De Zerbi must urgently find a new creative spark.
Four Players Who Could Step Up
With limited time and mounting pressure, several names within the squad could be handed a “special” responsibility to replace Simons’ influence.
Conor Gallagher
Gallagher could be one of the leading candidates. While he has often operated deeper in midfield, he has previously thrived in more advanced roles during his time at Chelsea and on loan at Crystal Palace.
De Zerbi has already spoken about wanting to rediscover the version of Gallagher that impressed at Chelsea. Though he may lack the flair of Simons, his work rate and energy could be vital in Spurs’ fight for survival.
James Maddison
Maddison is perhaps the most natural replacement, but fitness remains a concern. The 29-year-old is only just returning from his own long-term knee injury and is yet to feature since making the matchday squad again.
If he can regain sharpness quickly, Maddison’s creativity and vision could prove decisive in the final games.
Lucas Bergvall
The young midfielder offers a more dynamic option. Although often deployed deeper, Bergvall has shown he is comfortable pushing forward and operating between the lines.
During earlier spells in a more advanced role, he demonstrated an ability to carry the ball and influence attacks—qualities Spurs now desperately need.
Luca Williams-Barnett
The wildcard in De Zerbi’s plans could be teenage sensation Williams-Barnett. The 17-year-old has been outstanding at academy level, contributing 13 goals and seven assists across youth competitions this season.
While it would be a bold move to rely on such a young player in a relegation battle, his attacking instincts and confidence could offer something different if called upon.
A Race Against Time
With Simons sidelined and only a handful of games remaining, De Zerbi faces a defining challenge. Finding the right balance between experience and creativity could determine whether Tottenham retain their top-flight status.
The Italian once spoke of building “special connections” with his playmakers—now, he must quickly form a new one if Spurs are to survive one of the most dramatic relegation battles in their history.
