Xavi Simons made his first appearance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and whilst the Dutch international looked lively, Spurs fans spotted an issue emerging.
Thomas Frank’s team returned to the Champions League and marked it with a 1-0 win, as Lucas Bergvall’s cross was turned in from the Villarreal goalkeeper.
Tottenham Hotspur will be delighted with the result, but less so with the performance as the team looked rather flat for large swathes of the match.
Meanwhile, Simons’ first game at the new stadium has supporters talking, but they are keen for their manager to make a change with their summer recruit.
Tottenham fans urge Thomas Frank to move Xavi Simons centrally
Tottenham fans have been urging Frank to move Xavi Simons centrally, with the sense that his talent is wasted out wide.
Simons, who cost Tottenham £52m over the summer, looked promising against the Spanish side, but it’s clear that he could be better utilised in the number ten role.
The Dutch international was eventually withdrawn after 76 minutes for Brennan Johnson as Spurs looked to find a second goal against the La Liga side.
The 22-year-old still managed 53 touches against the Yellow Submarine, but made just one key pass in a rather quiet display on the left.
Simons, whom Pedro Porro called ‘magic’, could certainly be better used elsewhere in the team and gives Frank food for thought moving forward.
During the game, Spurs supporters took to X to share their thoughts on Simons’ struggles in their clash with Villarreal.
One fan said: “Really would love to see Simons inside at some point tonight. Being wasted in possession at the left wing.”
“Xavi Simons is a real threat when he cuts inside, so it baffles me why he’s on the wing. Being wasted,” added another.
There were further question marks over Simons’ position: “Can we please put Xavi into the 10 position? He is so wasted out on the wing.”
Finally, another added: “100% need Xavi in the middle, he’s so wasted out wide. Also need to see Udogie, Spence is being overused.”
Chris Sutton claims Xavi Simons was ‘lucky’ not to be sent off vs Villarreal
Chris Sutton believes that Simons was ‘lucky’ not to be sent off on the night for a challenge he made on Nicolas Pepe.
The forward was booked earlier in the match and appeared rather fortunate not to have received a second booking.
Sutton told BBC Sport: “Simons is a lucky, lucky boy. He’s on a yellow card and that was a yellow card challenge. Villarreal were breaking there. Tottenham get away with one.”
For now, Simons looks like he’s still adjusting to life in North London, but he will generally be pleased with how lively the youngster looks.