Key Highlights
- Tottenham’s Xavi Simons has struggled to make an impact since signing for £52 million from RB Leipzig.
- Thierry Henry questions Simons’ ability to adapt to the Premier League, citing Bundesliga experience as a concern.
- Bundesliga is not seen as a reliable indicator of success in the Premier League by some managers and analysts.
- Tottenham faces an upcoming north London derby against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
Struggling Start at Tottenham
Xavi Simons arrived at Tottenham Hotspur with high expectations, having impressed during his time at RB Leipzig. However, the 22-year-old has struggled to live up to the hype since joining in late August for a transfer fee of £52 million ($70 million). Despite making several contributions, including two assists and scoring once, Simons has not been able to replicate his form from Germany.
Manager’s Optimism
Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank expressed confidence in Simons during an interview with Sky Sports. He highlighted the midfielder’s abilities, noting his experience of playing for the Dutch national team and his time in the Champions League over the past two seasons. Frank acknowledged that adapting to the Premier League can be challenging but remains optimistic about Simons’ potential.
Adapting to the Premier League
In a candid conversation, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry expressed doubts about Simons’ suitability for the Premier League. Henry emphasized that the Bundesliga is not always indicative of success in English football. “It’s not easy to arrive in a team and perform straight away,” he said, referencing former Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz who has struggled at Liverpool. Henry’s concerns stem from his belief that the Premier League requires different attributes compared to the Bundesliga.
Henry pointed out that in the Bundesliga, players often enjoy more space to dribble and create opportunities. In contrast, the Premier League is known for its tactical discipline and a focus on defensive solidity. “Do you think the managers right now are letting their players dribble or do they want to control everything to make sure they’re not going to get countered?” Henry questioned, adding that this approach can limit chances for individual brilliance.
Upcoming Derby against Arsenal
Xavi Simons will have the opportunity to prove his doubters wrong when Tottenham faces their local rivals Arsenal in Sunday’s north London derby. While there is no immediate pressure on Simons, any chance to showcase his talents will be crucial for him and Tottenham fans.
Frank remains undeterred by Simons’ current struggles. “No, I think it’s part of it,” Frank said regarding the player’s performance so far. He emphasized that Simons has played significant minutes but admitted he needed time to settle into his new environment. “I’m not talking about a specific situation.
That’s part of football.” Despite the challenges, both Frank and Henry acknowledge the difficulty in adapting to a new league while maintaining high standards.
With the upcoming north London derby, fans will be watching closely as Simons seeks to establish himself in the Premier League. Tottenham’s next match against Fulham on November 30th is also crucial for him to regain confidence and prove his worth to the team.
