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'Always on the floor'- £55m Tottenham star labelled unconvincing amidst cold start to N17 stint

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Aaryan Choksi | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 1:22 PM ET

Xavi Simons is struggling to make an instant impact at Tottenham Hotspur under Thomas Frank

Tottenham stole the spotlight in the final weeks of the transfer window by securing the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig on a long-term deal. For most of the summer, the Lilywhites were second-favourites for his signature, with Chelsea leading the race. The Blues even agreed personal terms with the Dutchman before the deal collapsed for various reasons.

That opened the door for Spurs to swoop in and lure the 22-year-old to N17. His arrival has undoubtedly strengthened the club’s attacking depth, with Simons already boasting an impressive track record of showcasing his talent on big stages across Europe.

Now, all eyes are on how the Spurs No.7 adapts to the Premier League under Thomas Frank. Excitement was evident around Hotspur Way when his signing was nearing completion, with players frequently asking club staff for updates on whether the deal had gone through. That anticipation reflects how highly regarded Simons already is among his peers at N17. With such expectations, the pressure is firmly on the young Dutchman to deliver this season.

Xavi Simons needs to prove his worth at Tottenham quickly

However, Simons has endured a slow start to life at Tottenham. Often deployed in wide areas, he has had limited opportunities to truly influence matches. Frank’s decision to use him primarily as an impact substitute has also raised questions, leaving fans concerned that they might not see the best of the 22-year-old anytime soon.

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has also voiced his doubts over Simons’ early performances. Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor said,

“Simons, I’m not sure about. It’s early on and we’d only judge players after five or six games, but I’m really not sure about him, mate. You know sometime you see a player and you’re like, ‘okay yeah I like what he’s about.’ But I watch Simons and I’m like, he’s always on the floor.”

The ex-Villa striker added,

“He doesn’t seem rapidly quick when I watch him as well. I just look at the few they’ve paid for him, could rise to £65m with add-ons. He needs to be affecting games sooner or later.”

Gabby Agbonlahor believes Xavi Simons has yet to show his potential, questioning whether he has the pace and physicality to beat defenders. With a hefty price tag attached to his name, the former Aston Villa striker argues that the Dutchman must prove his worth quickly at N17.

Spurs fans, meanwhile, remain hopeful that Thomas Frank will shift Simons into his natural role as a No.10. His recent cameo against Brighton offered a glimpse of what he can do in a central role, where he linked up well with teammates and created chances consistently. If given the freedom to operate in that position, the 22-year-old could soon begin to silence his critics and establish himself as a key player at N17.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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