Thomas Frank reveals what he thought of Xavi Simons’ showing against Aston Villa as Tottenham were beaten at home in the Premier League yet again.
The attacking midfielder did not hit the ground running after his summer move from RB Leipzig, which was to be expected, given that this is his first taste of Premier League football.
However, it appeared that the 22-year-old had turned a corner ahead of the international break.
Thomas Frank said that Xavi’s performance against Leeds was his best of the season after the Dutchman impressed in the 2-1 win at Elland Road.
The summer signing kept his place in the side, starting again as a number ten against Villa, but this time, he was a passenger for much of the game and was taken off on 79 minutes as the home side went in search of an equaliser.
Thomas Frank defends Xavi Simons after Tottenham’s defeat
From the reaction on social media, it is clear that some Spurs fans have been far from convinced with Xavi since his big-money summer switch.
The attacking midfielder struggled to get into the game on Sunday, but Frank has come to his defence, insisting that it is not fair to single out players since Tottenham attack and defend as a team.
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When asked if Xavi is still finding his feet at N17, the Spurs boss said (via the club’s official website): “I think we defend with 11 players. We also attack with 11 players. It’s the whole team. Of course, it will always be, let’s say, the front four. Today, Wilson, Mo, Xavi and Mathys. They are the main guys who will be judged on it, which is fair.
“Other players are coming on from the bench. I like Xavi’s personality today, especially in the first half. I think he wanted to get on the ball, he wanted to create. I think he was very aggressive in the pressure. I think it was a fine game.
“I think I need to remember it myself when we judge players and 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. I’m not in doubt that Xavi will be good for us. Today was an average-plus game.”
Spurs insiders are confident Xavi will come good
While the new Tottenham signing may not have yet convinced on the pitch, his teammates and the club’s staff have seemingly been impressed by him.
His international teammate Micky van de Ven described Xavi as ‘special’ and is confident that he will showcase his quality in a Spurs shirt sooner rather than later.