Thomas Frank spoke about the determined nature of Xavi Simons after his performance inspired our 2-0 win against Brentford at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
Xavi was instrumental in the two decisive moments – setting up Richarlison’s opening goal on 25 minutes before a solo goal that had a little bit of everything to double our lead just before half-time.
The Dutch playmaker initially took a heavy touch from Cuti Romero’s pass but threw himself in to a tackle to win it back, then bounced through another challenge before taking off from halfway all the way into Brentford’s box before showing the composure to side foot past Caoimhin Kelleher into the corner.
It was quite a way for Xavi to open his account – and the talk afterwards with Thomas was how that could now launch his career in a Spurs shirt.
Speaking to us afterwards, Thomas said: “I'm so happy on Xavi’s behalf. He's been working so hard. He's a 24-7 pro. He's so determined. He wanted it so badly.
“After a bit of adaptation… but also the team is growing more and more in sync, I think that hasn't helped him. Then, when a new player comes into the club and then we play all the games, we need to rotate some players and all that. So, all that now just coming more together, I think the team looked bright today.”
It was put to Thomas that the way Xavi’s goal came about, with him snapping in to win back possession, would have particularly pleased him. “Yes, that’s hugely important, that quick reaction, that counter-press. The rest is fantastic. Actually, it's a top individual action, but I actually like the first goal as much - a little movement, the ball in behind from Pedro, running down there and a perfect pass for Richy.”
Asked in his press conference if that could be the breakthrough moment for Xavi, Thomas responded: "Yeah, definitely. I think every player needs that extra good performance, so happy for him. He's been working very hard. He's a top pro, he's so determined, he wants it so badly in every aspect of his game and it's just a little bit of adaptation, also that the team is a little bit out of sync.
“Now, it was more, for example, Kudos after a great start, a little dip because of the little injury, and a lot better today as Xavi is in a good place Kolo is in a better place, Richy. So, everything just coming more and more together, so now we need to build on it.”