Xavi Simons

[Mabspurs]

It's not obsession to understand you don't get the best out of Xavi by bypassing the midfield with long balls, always running the channels and spamming crosses into the box.

Maybe... but it seems an obsession to try to bring a criticism of the manager into every single post... especially after a rousing come back that the players have attributed directly to his half-time reshuffle and tactics tweak.

 

[thfcsteff]

Maybe... but it seems an obsession to try to bring a criticism of the manager into every single post... especially after a rousing come back that the players have attributed directly to his half-time reshuffle and tactics tweak.

Nah, it’s a fact re: Xavi.
As a player, the way he plays the game, his best work is when we’re more compact going forward and allowing him to use that large space between the touchlines called ‘the middle’. Doesn’t matter who the manager is, this is about Xavi’s skillset.

BTW, and not related to anything you’ve said FWIW, I have said for some time that the player is tough enough for this league, and am pleased people are seeing it now. The adjustment period has (IMO) been about absorbing the tactics and adjusting to the bricky reffing standards as much as anything. He routinely gets fouled and gets nothing. Not the first skill player we’ve had who gets that of course (I remember in AVB’s final season every time Bale was tripped/taken out the cries of ‘diver’ and ‘cheat’ were cacophonous), but the guy’s toughness has never been in doubt for me. He has so much, and I hope we allow him the space and give him the setup to show it.

 

[parklane1]

Such a very good player and is really starting to run a game.

 

[SpurMeUp]

Lol at the idea that the sole reason Xavi didn't start as well was because of Frank. As if things are ever that simple. And these are facts!

 

[SpurMeUp]

Another fun fact is that under Frank we've started to see the best of Xavi! And Odobert, and I think I've seen Tel play his best football so far under Frank too. Much more to come, but maybe some credit for the manager here?

 

[Muttley]

Nah, it’s a fact re: Xavi.
As a player, the way he plays the game, his best work is when we’re more compact going forward and allowing him to use that large space between the touchlines called ‘the middle’. Doesn’t matter who the manager is, this is about Xavi’s skillset.

BTW, and not related to anything you’ve said FWIW, I have said for some time that the player is tough enough for this league, and am pleased people are seeing it now. The adjustment period has (IMO) been about absorbing the tactics and adjusting to the bricky reffing standards as much as anything. He routinely gets fouled and gets nothing. Not the first skill player we’ve had who gets that of course (I remember in AVB’s final season every time Bale was tripped/taken out the cries of ‘diver’ and ‘cheat’ were cacophonous), but the guy’s toughness has never been in doubt for me. He has so much, and I hope we allow him the space and give him the setup to show it.

I'd actually encourage fans to look at the Xavi heatmap on here - https://www.whoscored.com/matches/1...er-league-2025-2026-tottenham-manchester-city

We bought Xavi as a number 10 with a left bias.

A fair few years ago we bought Eriksen, a number 10 with a right side bias. What Eriksen learned quite quickly is that in order to be a number 10 in the PL you need to stay on the move at all times. That's why Eriksen (and Dele) were top 5 for running in the PL stats for 2 to 3 seasons under Poch. It's why Eriksen became the heartbeat of our team and when he was missing we looked a lesser team. It's also why Madds can be so instrumental in our best play but I've never seen him do the marathon running approach that Eriksen did. I don't see him finding holes everywhere, especially in the narrow channel areas.

Personally, I woudn't get too obsessed about him being in the middle. As long as he is selected there, or like yesterday slightly to the left of centre of the 10 role. Even the best of the best, DeBruyne has to get out of that congested central space and work his magic in the narrow channel. Pep always gave KDB a bias to play in one of the 2 channels rather than stay central.

I think the big difference with Xavi is now his match fitness and sharpness. He is learning to stay on the move and another great stat was having 88 touches. Now when you're doing that against the PL best teams there is some real talent there.

This kid does get me excited. A constantly read that he was the best long term answer out of himself, Eze and MGW. I'm starting to believe that now.

 

[thfcsteff]

I'd actually encourage fans to look at the Xavi heatmap on here - https://www.whoscored.com/matches/1...er-league-2025-2026-tottenham-manchester-city

We bought Xavi as a number 10 with a left bias.

A fair few years ago we bought Eriksen, a number 10 with a right side bias. What Eriksen learned quite quickly is that in order to be a number 10 in the PL you need to stay on the move at all times. That's why Eriksen (and Dele) were top 5 for running in the PL stats for 2 to 3 seasons under Poch. It's why Eriksen became the heartbeat of our team and when he was missing we looked a lesser team. It's also why Madds can be so instrumental in our best play but I've never seen him do the marathon running approach that Eriksen did. I don't see him finding holes everywhere, especially in the narrow channel areas.

Personally, I woudn't get too obsessed about him being in the middle. As long as he is selected there, or like yesterday slightly to the left of centre of the 10 role. Even the best of the best, DeBruyne has to get out of that congested central space and work his magic in the narrow channel. Pep always gave KDB a bias to play in one of the 2 channels rather than stay central.

I think the big difference with Xavi is now his match fitness and sharpness. He is learning to stay on the move and another great stat was having 88 touches. Now when you're doing that against the PL best teams there is some real talent there.

This kid does get me excited. A constantly read that he was the best long term answer out of himself, Eze and MGW. I'm starting to believe that now.

I think the main thing with a player like that is to give them the freedom and support to go where they need to go to influence the game. I have consistently said this about him since he arrived. He is someone who prospers when he can drift into half spaces.

 

[Lemonade Money]

Another fun fact is that under Frank we've started to see the best of Xavi! And Odobert, and I think I've seen Tel play his best football so far under Frank too. Much more to come, but maybe some credit for the manager here?

Odobert looked good from the off, then got injured, then took time to get back up to speed. Xavi and Tel both needed time to adapt to the PL. Hard to say if this hasn't run it's course or it's because of Frank.