Xavi Simons had another frustrating afternoon in Tottenham Hotspur colours as he disappointed in the 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa.
The 22-year-old hasn’t quite found his feet in English football since arriving from RB Leipzig in a deal worth around £51 million.
Glenn Hoddle hopes Simons will shine eventually at Spurs, but another underwhelming display against Villa will leave question marks over his signing.
Right now, there is a worrying trend which is emerging from Simons and Tottenham Hotspur supporters are starting to grow concerned.
Tottenham fans express Xavi Simons frustrations vs Aston Villa
Tottenham fans have been expressing their frustrations towards Xavi Simons’ unwillingness to take a shot as he disappointed against Aston Villa.
TBR Football understands that Tottenham really likes Simons, so perhaps supporters will need to show some patience, but the signs aren’t too promising.
The winger failed to muster a single effort at goal in the defeat to Villa, despite working his way into some good positions in front of goal.
Simons was eventually hauled off after 79 minutes for Lucas Bergvall, but he can’t count himself as fortunate to have stayed on for so long.
Creatively, the youngster also struggled to make much happen for his team, with just one key pass made against Unai Emery’s team.
Tottenham fans wanted Simons in the number ten and have got their wish over recent weeks, but he’s not really taken his chance there just yet.
During the game against Villa, Spurs supporters took to X to share their frustrations towards the former Barcelona and PSG youth star.
One fan said: “Xavi Simons hit that rocket against England at the Euros and then just decided to never shoot again.”
“Simons gotta be more authoritative, man, shoot the ball,” stated another Spurs supporter.
There was further criticism for the midfielder: “Xavi Simons takes no responsibility when he had a clear shot but decides to pass the ball out wide.”
Finally, another added: “I’d drop Xavi for the next game, he was shocking again today, it’s like playing with 10 men, even Odobert has done more.”
Frank must now consider whether to use Simons again in the number ten role, or whether he looks to use Bergvall or Pape Matar Sarr there instead.
Thomas Frank must change Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha partnership
One of the first changes Thomas Frank needs to make is to switch up the double pivot of Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha.
Joe Hart praised Bentancur and Palhinha, but it’s clear that when Spurs are facing teams who sit deep, they need a more creative option in there.
The midfield duo are good defensive options, but when it comes to progressing the ball forward, Frank’s team are left with real problems with them in there together.
Frank has a plethora of midfield options who could replace either one of them, especially Archie Gray, who has shown he deserves his chance.