Xavi Simons has not had the electric start to his Tottenham career that most people were expecting so far.
The arrival of the Netherlands international prompted plenty of excitement within the fanbase when it was confirmed in the latter stages of the summer, not least because the Lilywhites beat Chelsea to his signature.
Simons joined Tottenham for a fee of around £51million, which ensured that he immediately slotted into the N17 outfit’s top five most expensive buys of all time.
However, he hasn’t really produced the goods for his new club so far, and there is an ongoing issue that may have played a significant part in his struggles to settle into the team.
Xavi Simons’ positional issue at Tottenham
Simons has featured out on the left wing for Tottenham in the majority of his appearances so far this season, but there as an ongoing debate as to where his best position actually is.
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The 22-year-old can also play in an attacking midfield role, which brought him success on a regular basis during his time with RB Leipzig.
However, he has largely had to operate from the left flank for Spurs so far, with Thomas Frank often opting for the added defensive security of playing Lucas Bergvall as an extra midfielder, knowing that he is capable of supporting both the attack and the defence.
Simons did get the opportunity to play in the number 10 role in the recent win over Leeds United, but his performance in that game did little to quash the debate surrounding how to get the best out of him.
However, these stats from his time in the Bundesliga should tell Frank and his coaching team everything that they need to know.
Simons’ RB Leipzig stats highlight need to play centrally
Simons’ early issues at Tottenham may be down to issues settling in off the pitch as much as anything at the moment, but Frank will surely be keen to help his new star thrive in his group as quickly as possible.
With that in mind, the Dane has to find a way of allowing the youngster to play in his preferred central role more often, based on these stats from last season provided by Opta.
Simons attempted over 100 dribbles last season, but with a success rate of just 32.67 per cent, it’s clear to see that one-on-one dominance isn’t his main strength.
That has been highlighted once again at Tottenham so far this season, where he is still completing just 45 per cent of his dribbles (Sofascore).
Throw in the fact that only six players completed more progressive carries, and it becomes clear that the Dutchman needs to be involved with the play going on around him, rather than being isolated out wide against a full-back.
Moving Simons centrally could also help Mohammed Kudus
Mohammed Kudus has made an excellent start at Tottenham in recent weeks, but moving Simons centrally could have an even greater effect on his game.
The Ghana international’s pace and direct running is already causing major problems for defences, and if Simons could move into a central area, it would allow the pair of them to link up with ease.
The former West Ham star could benefit massively from a quality passer who can thread the eye of a needle to help him get in behind defences, which provides yet another plus point behind a potential move for Simons.
Frank has had plenty of success with a counter-attacking style at Spurs so far, but it could now be time for him to take the handbreak off a little in order to get the best out of the jewel in his crown.