Tottenham’s summer signing Xavi Simons is already facing scrutiny after what many consider a slow start to life in the Premier League. The Dutch attacking midfielder, who joined Spurs for €65 million following an impressive spell at RB Leipzig, has found it difficult to replicate the form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young players.
Despite scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists last season in the Bundesliga, his first ten games for Tottenham have yielded just one assist, leaving fans and pundits questioning whether he can handle the physical intensity of English football.
Dutch journalist Johan Derksen, speaking on the Groeten uit Grolloo podcast, shared his thoughts on Simons’ early struggles, and his words were far from encouraging.
According to Derksen, the 22-year-old simply isn’t physically strong enough to compete at the pace and power required in the Premier League. He believes that while Simons is undoubtedly talented, his technical flair and creativity qualities that allowed him to shine in the Netherlands and Germany are not enough on their own to succeed in England’s top flight.
Derksen explained that the difference in physicality between leagues has been a major issue for the Dutchman. “He’s a great player who often used his tricks in the Netherlands.
He also performed well in Germany, but in England, they are much stronger physically. If you look at the English league and switch to a different league, it’s completely different,” he said.
The pundit pointed out that Simons often struggles to match the pace of the game, getting caught out by the relentless pressing and strength of opponents. “You can see that he can’t keep up with the speed of action and is physically weaker,” he added.
He then compared Simons to another Dutch player, Tijjani Reijnders, who has adapted far better since joining Manchester City. “While Reijnders doesn’t have that problem, he’s already one of the leading players at Manchester City,” Derksen remarked, hinting that Simons may need to undergo a physical transformation to reach that same level of impact.
Derksen went on to explain that football has evolved beyond the days when pure technical ability was enough to thrive. “In the past, a lightweight with good technique could easily hold his own.
Technique is no longer the only thing you need to contribute; you also need physical strength at the top level,” he stated. His comments suggest that if Simons wants to succeed under Thomas Frank at Tottenham, he must adapt his style, toughen up physically, and learn how to handle the league’s demanding tempo.
It’s worth noting that not everyone shares Derksen’s pessimism. Earlier this month, journalist Süleyman Öztürk from Voetbal International came to Simons’ defense, urging patience and understanding.
He argued that adapting to the Premier League takes time, particularly for young foreign players who have to adjust not only to a new style of football but also to a different culture and environment.
Öztürk reminded fans that Simons’ talent is unquestionable and that his intelligence and technique will eventually shine through once he finds his rhythm and confidence.
Dutch pundits have a reputation for being brutally honest, especially when assessing their compatriots, and Derksen’s criticism should perhaps be viewed in that light.
While his words may sound harsh, they underline a familiar challenge faced by many technically gifted players when they move to England. The Premier League’s combination of speed, physicality, and intensity can be unforgiving, even for the most talented footballers.
For Tottenham, patience may be key. They invested heavily in Simons because they believe in his long-term potential, and it is clear that he possesses the vision and creativity to become a key player once he fully adapts.
At just 22, he has plenty of time to grow, learn, and evolve into the complete player Spurs need. The early criticism might sting, but it could also serve as motivation for Simons to prove that he can not only survive but thrive in the most competitive league in the world.
