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.

 

[SpurMeUp]

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.

Not sure Odobert was as accomplished as he is looking now? But point taken, it is not so simple to attribute players form solely to the manager, which was my point too. Fact: Xavi has come good under Frank! Yes he has. Was it just Frank? Of course not. There’s a whole team of coaches. There’s a player settling etc. Yet it is also true and the manager of the day is ultimately ‘responsible’. We always look for one simple cause when it’s rarely down to one thing in isolation.

 

[thfcsteff]

Not sure Odobert was as accomplished as he is looking now? But point taken, it is not so simple to attribute players form solely to the manager, which was my point too. Fact: Xavi has come good under Frank! Yes he has. Was it just Frank? Of course not. There’s a whole team of coaches. There’s a player settling etc. Yet it is also true. We always look for one simple cause when it’s rarely down to one thing in isolation.

I think in Xavi’s case it is about how you use him and how we set up to allow him to be the best he can be! In fairness, this is true of most players other than Harry Kane, who affects football matches wherever he is on the pitch!

 

[SpurMeUp]

I think in Xavi’s case it is about how you use him and how we set up to allow him to be the best he can be!

Or…playing city who leave more space….or Xavi being 22 and settling in a new league and country….

Some of the mistakes he was making - not finding simple passes suggests is wasn’t only down to how he was used. But if this is your logic you should probably apply the inverse: that if he’s doing well it is down to Frank setting us up and using him well.

 

[Ace Face]

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.

It was encouraging to see him play as part of the midfield three too after Bissouma was subbed. He didn't look out of place at all and was most certainly not the defensive liability other #10's (inc. Madders) would be there.

 

[thfcsteff]

Or…playing city who leave more space….or Xavi being 22 and settling in a new league and country….

Some of the mistakes he was making - not finding simple passes suggests is wasn’t only down to how he was used. But if this is your logic you should probably apply the inverse: that if he’s doing well it is down to Frank setting us up and using him well.

I am pretty fluid in how I view things generally, including our season. My ‘logic’ is fairly simple. When Xavi Simons as the chance to play a freer role and within a framework where teammate are closer at hand, then he shines. Look at the first-half yesterday; the shape wasn’t working, and Xavi ended up on the ball looking forwards with no options close by/movement in dangerous areas. The second-half saw our formation changes and allow us to play a little more compactly going forwards, and we saw that when people are moving, Xavi can play some great passes because he has the vision and skills.

Obviously not finding passes is somewhat on him, but it is also on a system/s which doesn't always work as well as a deployment that does not make the best of him. For example, playing him off the left with Spence At LB stunts what Xavi can do in a Frank set-up, because Djed has to go inside due to right footedness, leaving little room for Xavi to go inside into his favorite zone. I think it’s why we went for Robertson (we really want to make sure we have a left-footed LB) and I think we’ll see Souza at some point sooner than later.

I will agree that Solanke’s return is very helpful is great as a focal point, but what he’s doing so well is moving in behind defenders when Xavi’s on the ball.

Your obsession with Frank and credit is curious. I saw many people yesterday giving Frank credit. What I have not seen is much discussion of what Heintinga appears to have brought to the coaching staff, as our recent displays do seem to have coincided with his arrival; which (of course) is also to Frank’s credit.

 

[SpurMeUp]

I am pretty fluid in how I view things generally, including our season. My ‘logic’ is fairly simple. When Xavi Simons as the chance to play a freer role and within a framework where teammate are closer at hand, then he shines. Look at the first-half yesterday; the shape wasn’t working, and Xavi ended up on the ball looking forwards with no options close by/movement in dangerous areas. The second-half saw our formation changes and allow us to play a little more compactly going forwards, and we saw that when people are moving, Xavi can play some great passes because he has the vision and skills.

Obviously not finding passes is somewhat on him, but it is also on a system/s which doesn't always work as well as a deployment that does not make the best of him. For example, playing him off the left with Spence At LB stunts what Xavi can do in a Frank set-up, because Djed has to go inside due to right footedness, leaving little room for Xavi to go inside into his favorite zone. I think it’s why we went for Robertson (we really want to make sure we have a left-footed LB) and I think we’ll see Souza at some point sooner than later.

I will agree that Solanke’s return is very helpful is great as a focal point, but what he’s doing so well is moving in behind defenders when Xavi’s on the ball.

Your obsession with Frank and credit is curious. I saw many people yesterday giving Frank credit. What I have not seen is much discussion of what Heintinga appears to have brought to the coaching staff, as our recent displays do seem to have coincided with his arrival; which (of course) is also to Frank’s credit.

I just find amusing that if Xavi isn’t playing well it’s on Frank (fact) and if he is it’s not Frank.

 

[billyiddo]

Players often need time to adapt to the league and it's often said that they need at least 6 months to a year to get up to speed if coming from abroad - If we accept that (which we should) then a similar level of patience should be afforded to the manager who, in this case, has to build a team around such players.

 

[Mikey10]

Players often need time to adapt to the league and it's often said that they need at least 6 months to a year to get up to speed if coming from abroad - If we accept that (which we should) then a similar level of patience should be afforded to the manager who, in this case, has to build a team around such players.

Who would have thought that the man who was brought in partly because of his strong record in developing young players, and who helped to turn Christian Nørgaard into an excellent PL midfielder, could have helped Simons develop his game?

 

[Lemonade Money]

I just find amusing that if Xavi isn’t playing well it’s on Frank (fact) and if he is it’s not Frank.

It's the fault of all the posters that wanted to keep Ange, you should know that.