Xavi Simons has been taking part in his first training session as a Tottenham Hotspur player ahead of his debut against West Ham United.
In the final few days of the window, Thomas Frank’s side completed one of the biggest transfers of the summer, as Tottenham signed Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.
Simons played 72 minutes for the Netherlands during the international break and will now be raring to go against West Ham United on Saturday.
The 22-year-old took part in his first session as a Spurs player on Wednesday, and the message to him at Hotspur Way from coaches was clear.
Xavi Simons given total freedom during Tottenham training
Tottenham Hotspur coaches were giving Xavi Simons the freedom to do ‘whatever you want’ during attacking drills on Wednesday.
The Lilywhites are hoping that their new marquee addition will be the creative hub in their team, and have been encouraging him to have a free role during training.
With James Maddison currently sidelined with a knee injury and Dejan Kulusevski also out, Simons is set to become the main number ten for Spurs.
One of Frank’s key coaches, Matt Wells, who also worked under Ange Postecoglou, was spotted working heavily with the Dutch international during attacking drills.
Simons was joined by another of Tottenham’s new additions, Randal Kolo Muani, who appeared to be playing as the number nine during the drills.
During the session, Wells could be heard shouting: “Find Xavi, go on Xavi, you create, you create, whatever you want!”
This message will be music to the ears of Spurs supporters who had been so keen for another creative player to be signed and given the freedom to play.
Xavi Simons set for Tottenham debut vs West Ham United
Simons is set to make his Tottenham debut against West Ham on the weekend, which could see Pape Matar Sarr dropped back into a deeper role.
Either Rodrigo Bentancur or Joao Palhinha could partner Sarr, with Simons playing in the number ten for Frank’s side.
Meanwhile, Kolo Muani could start up front, with Richarlison dropping to the bench, following his disappointing matches with Brazil.
It will be a new-look Spurs side, with Simons and Kolo Muani making their first starts for the Lilywhites away at the London Stadium.