Tottenham attacking midfielder Xavi Simons has skipped a holiday in order to stay at the training ground and put in extra hours ahead of their game against Arsenal, according to talkSPORT.
Simons arrived at Spurs at the beginning of the season from RB Leipzig, and despite showing glimpses of the player he was in the Bundesliga, he hasn't hit the heights expected of him just yet.
He's certainly not the only one in the Tottenham squad this campaign, and it was never going to be easy for the Dutch international to come into this dysfunctional side and flourish.
With Spurs preparing for one of their biggest games of the season against Arsenal, Igor Tudor, who was recently appointed as manager, will undoubtedly be impressed with what's now happened with Simons.
Xavi Simons Puts in Extra Tottenham Training
According to talkSPORT, Tottenham attacking midfielder Simons skipped going on holiday to remain at the training ground ahead of their game against Arsenal. The creative midfielder opted to put in extra hours, while the squad were given five days off.
The Tottenham squad were given the time off following their defeat against Newcastle last week, the game which saw Thomas Frank lose his job.
It's not a huge surprise that the Tottenham squad were given some time off to reset, as it's been a difficult period, and there was no new manager in place.
Spurs had no game at the weekend due to being knocked out of the FA Cup, so it was the ideal time to give the players a chance to recover.
Arsenal Game Huge for Tottenham
It goes without saying in a usual context, but the game against Arsenal this weekend is huge for multiple reasons. It will be Tudor's first game in charge of the club, and getting off to a good start is exactly what he needs.
Spurs are also in desperate need of points as they edge closer to the relegation zone, and beating their rivals would be the perfect way to start Tudor's tenure.
Arsenal are also competing for the title against Manchester City, so putting a big dent in their chances of winning the Premier League will make the victory extra sweet.
Will Xavi Simons Suit Igor Tudor?
With Tudor coming to north London and implementing his own ideas, GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT whether Simons will be a good fit under the new manager.
In a 3-4-2-1, the dual No.10s operate in half-spaces behind the striker — a role that aligns with Xavi Simons’ profile as a ball-carrying, chance-creating interior attacker.
His capacity to receive between lines and accelerate through pressure suits the vertical transitions typical of Igor Tudor’s system.
Simons’ work rate supports counter-pressing demands, though he would need tactical discipline in rest defence.
He is less of a touchline winger, so playing him as a wing-back would waste his strengths.