A good performance in the Champions League this week has not been enough to save Tottenham Hotspur’s Xavi Simons from criticism.
That’s if the latest from Johan Derksen is any indication. He’s targeted the Tottenham man again, via Soccer News. And yes, it’s all about his physicality.
Simons has endured a difficult start to life at Tottenham since joining from RB Leipzig in the summer transfer window. He was brought in as a direct replacement for James Maddison, who is out with a serious knee injury picked up in pre-season.
He’s yet to prove he can be a replacement, though, with a handful of disappointing displays so far. That’s particularly been the case in the Premier League. Last weekend he was substituted on and then off again following a poor display in the defeat to Chelsea. Indeed, he was partly at fault for the Blues’ winning goal.
Questions have been asked about his suitability to life in the Premier League, with much made about the physicality. The prevalent thought, particularly in the Netherlands, is that he’s not up to the mark physically. Some think he never will be.
Tottenham player not up to it physically
Derksen is one of those who has been vocal on the matter. And he’s targeted the Tottenham man once again today.
“That Simons, he’s physically incompetent,” he said on Vandaag Inside.
“In England, they’re all skilled on the ball and can all play football, but you also need physical strength. Tijjani Reijnders has that, and so do the guys at Liverpool, but Simons is getting lost in the onslaught. Simply because he’s physically incompetent.”
Time for the gym, Xavi.