Conor Gallagher hailed a “top” Tottenham team-mate and backed him to get even better after he starred in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at home to Manchester City.
Spurs agree deadline day deal for James Wilson
Tottenham spent most of deadline day tussling with Arsenal over a deal for Hearts striker James Wilson.
The 18-year-old forward became the surprise name dominating deadline day chatter after both Arsenal and Spurs battled it out for his signature in the final hours before the 7pm cutoff.
Wilson burst onto the scene last season, bagging six goals for Hearts, and Arsenal appeared to hold the early advantage after talks over the weekend, but Spurs nicked in at the death to complete the hijack.
Gallagher heaps praise on Simons after City fightback
And with one youngster arriving, Gallagher has heaped praise on another rising talent in North London.
Spurs looked down and out after a dismal first-half display in N17, but Xavi Simons' wonderful outside-of-the-boot pass set up Dominic Solanke’s controversial first goal before Gallagher crossed for Solanke to score a sensational backheel in the 70th minute.
It caused Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to erupt and even though a late curled effort by Xavi Simons was tipped over to deny the home team a winner, it was the latest strong display from the Netherlands playmaker after a mixed start to life in north London following his £51.8million signing in August.
And fellow new arrival Gallagher believes the club have a real star on their hands.
“Yeah, brilliant player. He’s one of those guys that you want in your team,” the England international reflected.
“He works so hard and he just wants to win. He has a lot of passion to give and obviously a lot of quality as well, so he’s only going to get better and yeah, he’s top.
“That’s why you want him in your team, he wants to get on the ball, he’ll run forward, he’ll create chances, score and yeah, he’s great.”
Spurs boss Frank was equally complimentary of Xavi, who had 88 touches and five shots during an all-action display.
Frank added: “I think Xavi was exceptional. He’s a very good footballer, but he’s probably an even bigger winner and fighter.
“The way he fights with the team is exceptional and how he’s part of driving the team forward I think is very impressive.”
Tottenham’s fightback prevented another home defeat and even though they are unbeaten in four, they have won only two of their last 15 Premier League matches.
Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Djed Spence have also joined the injured list during the past week but Porro could return for the visit of Arsenal in three weeks and Van de Ven will aim to be back at Manchester United on Saturday.
“Micky, we hope, is back for Man United and Djed is hopefully not too long,” Frank revealed.