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'Not everything goes how you want' - Xavi Simons vows to keep 'working' as Spurs star aims to build on fine showing in Copenhagen thumping

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'Not everything goes how you want' - Xavi Simons vows to keep 'working' as Spurs star aims to build on fine showing in Copenhagen thumping - Goal
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The creative midfielder's performances have shown flashes of his playmaking ability, though he is still adjusting to the pace and physicality of the Premier League. Since he joined Simons has made seven appearances for Spurs, recording a solitary assist. His versatility has been useful, with boss Thomas Frank utilising him in various attacking roles, quite often high on the left. However, the 22-year-old is facing significant pressure and has yet to consistently hit his top form. He has showcased promising moments in the Champions League as well, contributing an assist in four appearances. Overall, his tenure remains a work in progress.

Frank was then asked if Simons' inability to create chances against Chelsea frustrated him, to which the Dane said: "I think when players make mistakes on the pitch, if they lose a ball or miss a pass, of course I can get irritated in general in a specific situation. But that's part of football. How many times have you seen a player miss a pass or do something that happens, that can be flow or confidence or everything. Whatever it is, mistakes are part of football."

There were clear signs that Simons has turned a corner in the 4-0 Champions League win over Copenhagen in the week. He delivered his best performance for Spurs and created three "big chances" in the first half and provided a superb assist for Brennan Johnson's opener. After the match, Frank praised Simons for his improved performance, he said: "I think that was a step forward today. I'm very happy for him. I think it was a good assist, I think he found good pockets, good spaces. I'm really pleased with that".

After the match with Copenhagen, Simons told Tottenham's official website: “We enjoyed this game together with the fans and the most important thing is three points. I'm a guy that needs to enjoy playing football and that's what I do the most. And tonight, you could see together with the team was special.

He added: "Everyone wants to perform and wants to play good, but this is life. You have to keep working hard and every day is a new day, new challenge and new opportunity to perform well. I've enjoyed it. Obviously, together with the team, we want to perform always, but things went a little bit different. We are working hard every day to try to do our best and to bring the best performance together. You want to perform always, but in life, not everything goes how you want always. But I will always keep working hard and give my 100 per cent and help the team."

It’s one thing to perform well against a mediocre Copenhagen side, but can Simons do it against Manchester United this weekend? The Dutchman is likely to start in the home match against Ruben Amorim's rejuvenated Red Devils who are winless in their last seven meetings with Tottenham in all competitions. But Spurs' home record is dreadful, they’ve won just four of their last 20 matches, drawing four and losing 12 in a woeful run. They are next in action when they face Manchester United this weekend, as they aim to finally win a Premier League game at home.

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Liverpool and Tottenham tracking young Bundesliga defender as Reds eye long-term Ibrahima Konate successor

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Liverpool and Tottenham tracking young Bundesliga defender as Reds eye long-term Ibrahima Konate successor - Goal
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The Premier League giants Liverpool and Tottenham are closely monitoring the development of Wolfsburg defender Koulierakis, with both clubs reportedly considering him as a priority target for the upcoming windows. The Greek international has impressed significantly since moving from PAOK in 2024, integrating quickly into the Bundesliga and establishing himself as a composed, left-footed central defender capable of playing in a high-line system.

Liverpool’s interest is understood to be strategic, with the club preparing for the possible departure of French international Konate, who has not yet signed an extension and could leave on a free at the end of the season. Konate’s injury record has further complicated the situation, prompting Liverpool to explore long-term replacements who can grow under Arne Slot’s evolving defensive structure.

Spurs, meanwhile, are seeking cover and competition for the Dutch starlet Micky van de Ven, especially after a series of injuries exposed the squad’s defensive depth. The London club have long targeted athletic, progressive centre-backs, and Koulierakis’ ability to play comfortably on the left side makes him an ideal stylistic match.

Wolfsburg have developed a strong reputation for producing high-level central defenders, with recent examples including Van de Ven and Maxence Lacroix, both of whom have earned moves to the Premier League, joining Spurs and Crystal Palace, respectively. Koulierakis appears to be the next in that line, displaying anticipation, ball-carrying confidence, and strong aerial presence despite being just 21.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey highlighted the growing demand around the defender when speaking to TBR Football, explaining: “Koulierakis is attracting a lot of attention across Europe, composed and left-sided, left-footed defenders do tend to carry a bit more of a premium and he is standing out at the moment.”

Both the Reds and Spurs have been scouting him for months, while several continental clubs are also monitoring his progress. Wolfsburg are expected to resist offers in January unless a significant bid arrives, though a summer move appears more realistic.

Koulierakis’ profile fits the modern demands of high-tempo Premier League football, and his control in possession, willingness to break lines through passing, and strong spatial awareness allow him to operate in systems that build attacks from the back.

He has also demonstrated high-potential aerial control, winning a higher percentage of aerial duels than Van de Ven during the Dutch defender’s final season at Wolfsburg. Last season, Koulierakis attempted 256 long passes, completing nearly 44%, a strong indicator of his ability to launch transitions and switch play efficiently.

Though not the quickest centre-back, Koulierakis compensates through sharp positioning and reading of play, qualities that appeal particularly to data-driven recruitment models like Liverpool’s.

For now, Wolfsburg are not under pressure to sell, but they are aware that interest in Koulierakis is rising rapidly. With both Liverpool and Tottenham planning structural defensive upgrades before next season, a competitive bidding scenario is becoming increasingly likely.

Liverpool will continue monitoring him as they weigh decisions on Konate and the long-term future of their defensive core. Tottenham, meanwhile, are keen to secure depth ahead of future European ambitions and see Koulierakis as a player with potential to develop into a consistent Premier League starter.

Whether a move happens in January or next summer may depend on how aggressively the clubs move, and how much Wolfsburg really demand.

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