Thomas Frank fought back against the criticism of Xavi Simons after defeat for Tottenham.
The Dutchman signed for £51 million from RB Leipzig as a ten who could create, score and offer industry, but he has been prone to patches of inconsistent form in his career. The transition to North London is a chance to show he can make the next step, but things have not panned out ideally.
The summer signing started against West Ham and Villarreal playing off the left flank before impressing in a half hour cameo against Brighton from a central position. More minutes have come for him in this role with flashes of quality, but there are demands for more from the creative figure.
It is still early days for his Premier League career, and Frank feels that patience is required.
“I think we performed a good game without being through the roof and part of it was so we could have had a bit more offensively.
“We defend with 11 players and also attack with 11 players. I think it's the whole team.
“It will always be let's say the front four as today Wilson Odobert, Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, and Mathys Tel. They are the main guys that'll be judged, which is fair or the players coming on from the bench.
“I like Xavi’s personality today, especially first half. I think he wanted to get on the ball, wanted to create. I think he was very aggressive in the pressure. I think it was a fine game.
“I think I need to think need to remember it myself when we judge players when they come into a new club, a new country, I know it's part of football. We judge them with a very small sample of games. So, I’m not in doubt that shall be good for us. Today was an average plus game.”