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Xavi Simons

monkeybarry said:
He looks like an absolute nightmare to play against. Really direct and looks to make things happen. A to Dare is to Do player.
We've got a few of those now.
Click to expand...
Think he may be frustrating for us at times because of that. Particularly as he'll be adjusting to the team and PL in the start. "Just play the simple pass" comments may be incoming.

But I'd rather have that with the hope of him developing and perhaps over time improving his decision making (if needed) on when to be direct, when to slow it down. Particularly in a attacking midfielder. Kudus has a bit of the same. Porro too I guess. But overall not too concerned that we'll end up too direct and frantic.

I also think being that style of player should help him adjust to the tempo of the PL.
 
RunTMC said:
This transfer is a good example of 2 things:

1. It shows why people say wait until the end of the window before declaring it a disaster

2. It shows why it’s better to get the RIGHT player late rather than go down your list to get a player in early (before pre-season/tour/1st game)
Click to expand...
That’s all good and said when we finally have a decent window
 

Got it — you’ve pasted in a full transcript of a Spurs podcast episode where the hosts analyze Tottenham’s new signing Xavi Simons and how he might fit into Thomas Frank’s tactical setups.


Here’s a structured summary + key takeaways from what they discussed:



🎙️ Episode Overview​


  • Hosts: Jim & JJ
  • Topic: How Xavi Simons will fit into Tottenham Hotspur’s squad under Thomas Frank.
  • Style: Tactical board analysis with visuals (heat maps, positioning diagrams).


⚽ Tactical Context Before Simons​


  • Spurs have used 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 most often.
  • Thomas Frank values flexibility and defensive resilience.
  • Simons gives Spurs new attacking and creative options.


🔑 Potential Roles for Xavi Simons​


  1. Left-sided Attacking Midfielder / Inverted 10
    • Replacing Brennan Johnson in the front three.
    • Simons naturally drifts left, even when central.
    • Key strengths:
      • Finds “between-the-lines” spaces (hard for defenders to track).
      • Strong right foot, good in tight spaces.
      • Can break down low blocks with creativity and quick shots.
    • Best suited when Spurs want ball control against deep defenses.
  2. Transition Threat from the Left
    • Can carry the ball upfield in counter-attacks.
    • Quick (not pure sprinter speed, but strong acceleration).
    • Provides verticality by dragging defenders, then releasing overlapping fullbacks.
    • Useful when Spurs sit deeper and look to hit teams on the break.
  3. Traditional Central #10
    • Behind a striker like Richarlison / Domanjski.
    • Supported by midfielders like Bentancur (technical, creative) and Palhinha (defensive cover).
    • Key strengths:
      • Weight of pass: excels at slipping runners into channels.
      • Unlocks defenses with timing and vision.
      • Needs wide forwards (Johnson, Kudus) making sharp runs to stretch back lines.
    • Spurs’ structure gives him rotating midfield partners, creating unpredictability.


🧩 Tactical Benefits​


  • Adds creativity & ball progression Spurs have lacked.
  • Flexible enough to play wide-left, central 10, or narrow inverted role.
  • Offers both dribbling in tight spaces and incisive passing.
  • Defensively capable — will track back, which Frank demands.
  • Boosts Spurs’ ability against:
    • Low blocks → needs his creativity.
    • Transitions → uses his ball carrying.
    • High presses → has composure to escape pressure.


🚨 Challenges / Watchpoints​


  • Adapting to Premier League pace & physicality.
  • Consistency in decision-making in tight spaces.
  • Building chemistry with Spurs’ wide players and striker.


🎯 Conclusion​


  • Immediate impact likely after international break.
  • Expect Simons to rotate roles depending on opponent:
    • Left-sided 10 vs weaker / deeper teams.
    • Central 10 vs balanced or pressing teams.
    • Ball-carrier in transitions vs big sides.
  • Spurs fans should see him as a hybrid playmaker rather than a fixed-position #10.
  • Hosts are excited: “Perfect fit for Frank’s tactical evolution of Spurs.”
 
RunTMC said:
This transfer is a good example of 2 things:

1. It shows why people say wait until the end of the window before declaring it a disaster

2. It shows why it’s better to get the RIGHT player late rather than go down your list to get a player in early (before pre-season/tour/1st game)
Click to expand...

Hopefully Simons adapts to EPL quicker than Tel so we don’t miss Kulusevski and Maddison’s creativity too much this season.
 
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