After Thomas Frank took the reins early in the summer, no Tottenham Hotspur fan would’ve predicted the incredible start he’s made - filling the gap after Ange Postecoglou's dismissal.
The Dane has only tasted defeat once in his first five competitive outings, winning the other four - most notably against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Etihad.
However, this afternoon’s meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion will present another tricky clash for the 51-year-old to navigate if he is to keep up his tremendous start.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side are currently on a two-game winning streak over the Lilywhites - subsequently doing the double over them during the 2024/25 campaign.
If Spurs are to put such a run to an end, the manager will have to make sure one player hits the ground running after a quiet start to his career at North London.
Why Xavi Simons has struggled at Spurs
Xavi Simons was one of Spurs’ big-money additions made during the summer transfer window, joining Frank’s men in a £52m deal from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
The attacking midfielder’s arrival in England generated huge excitement, and understandably so, given the talent and potential he possesses at the age of just 22.
His tally of 19 combined goals and assists last campaign showcases that he’s able to either find a teammate or find the back of the net alone, subsequently adding a new dimension to the Lilywhites' attack.
However, two games into his spell in England, he’s operated off the left-hand side rather than his natural number ten position - something which has undoubtedly limited his success to date.
Simons may have registered an assist in the Premier League, but the youngster still has so much more to offer, with Frank needing to give him the opportunity to star in a central position.
Should the manager make that call, he will have to drop one player from the heart of his side - leading to a decision which could be somewhat controversial for the fanbase.
The Spurs player who should be dropped to allow Simons to thrive
Since Frank took the reins during the off-season, the Dane has utilised a flat midfield trio, but that could all be about to change in the trip to face the Seagulls this afternoon.
Lucas Bergvall has arguably been the club’s shining light over the last couple of weeks, scoring in the victory against West Ham United last Saturday.
The Swede even claimed the Man of the Match award in the Champions League on Tuesday night, further showcasing how impressive he’s been during the early stages of the campaign.
He’s often featured alongside Pape Sarr at the heart of the side, but if Simons is to operate behind the striker, the 23-year-old may have to be the one to give way.
Like Bergvall, he scored in the clash at the London Stadium last Saturday, but he could well be sacrificed if the Dutchman does shift inside off the left flank.
It would be a controversial decision from Frank, especially after Sarr was labelled “sensational” by one analyst after his recent displays in the Premier League.
His performance against Villarreal in midweek was arguably one of his poorest of 2025/26, potentially leaving the door open for the manager to test out the big-money signing as part of his midfield trio.
Sarr was replaced with just over 20 minutes left of the European clash, registering just a 77% pass completion rate - highlighting his sloppy nature with the ball at his feet.
He also failed to make any interceptions against the Yellow Submarine, unable to offer the ball-winning presence which he’s so often showcased in North London.
The Senegalese international also tends to operate in a box-to-box role, potentially leaving the side too open should he play alongside - with Frank potentially utilising Joao Palhinha and Bergvall in a pivot slightly behind Simons.
Such a tactical dilemma is not necessarily a bad thing for the new manager, as it highlights the quality and depth he currently has at his disposal in the capital.
However, it’s crucial that the Dane gives out equal opportunities to keep the players happy, something which could see Simons finally get his opportunity in a number ten position against the Seagulls.