'Has got the ability'- Glenn Hoddle urges Tottenham to show patience with misfiring star

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Aaryan Choksi | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 3:21 PM ET

Xavi Simons is still finding his feet at Tottenham Hotspur following his high-profile move in the summer

In today’s fast-paced football world, fans and the media are often quick to judge players who fail to make an immediate impact after joining a new club. That seems to be the case with Xavi Simons at Tottenham following his high-profile summer move from RB Leipzig. The Dutch midfielder is still adjusting to life at N17, but frustration is already growing among supporters due to his inconsistent contributions in the final third.

Some of that frustration has also been directed toward Thomas Frank, as the Danish manager continues to search for the best way to integrate Simons into his starting lineup. The 22-year-old was deployed on the left flank during the opening weeks of the season, a role that restricted his natural creativity and made it difficult for him to find rhythm or confidence in his new surroundings.

Just as Simons seemed to have settled into his preferred #10 position, Frank opted to bench him in the Champions League clash against AS Monaco. The decision suggested that the Dutchman is still not considered a first-choice attacking midfielder at N17. While he has shown glimpses of quality, particularly in the games against Brighton and Leeds, there remains plenty of room for improvement before his transfer can be deemed a success.

Tottenham need to find a way to bring the best out of Xavi Simons

As of now, it seems like Thomas Frank is wasting Xavi Simons’ talents by playing him in an unfamiliar role at N17. But he is too big of a talent to flop in the Premier League, and it is only a matter of time before the 22-year-old shows everyone why he is one of the young talents in Europe right now. The Dutchman needs to be playing consistently to find his rhythm and make an impact in the final third of the pitch.

Now, Glenn Hoddle has called for a bit of patience regarding Simons’ start to life at Hotspur Way. Speaking on talkSPORT, Hoddle said,

“Talking about Xavi – it’s interesting, because it is very early in this stage. I think you need a little bit of time. If you’re a defender, or a wide player, but when you’re the number 10, the creator, who has to go there and everyone is looking at you and you’ve got to create and open doors.”

The Spurs legend added,

“I think this lad has got ability, whether he can do it in the Premier League is the big question, but he does need a bit more time. In this day and age, it’s a bit more instant.”

Hoddle believes it is too early for fans to turn on Simons, insisting that the Dutchman has the technical quality to become a world-class player in the coming years. However, he also acknowledged that adapting to the pace and physicality of the Premier League will be a key test for the young attacker. The Spurs legend urged both the club and supporters to give Simons the patience and trust he needs to develop under Thomas Frank’s guidance.

Now, the time has come for Xavi Simons to prove his worth and silence his critics once and for all. Tottenham face Everton next in the Premier League at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and there could be no better stage for the 22-year-old to open his account for the North London club than by ending the Toffees’ unbeaten home run this season.

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

More must-reads: