Struggling Tottenham star urged to show ‘more intensity’; Thomas Frank reiterates belief

Thomas Frank lays down demands from Xavi Simons

Signed for big money from RB Leipzig, Tottenham fans expected Xavi to hit the ground running in north London and fill in for the injured James Maddison as the creative nucleus of the side. But with just an assist and no goals registered for the Lilywhites to date, questions have been raised regarding his form, overall fitness and adaptation.

Frank has backed the talented attacker, admitting it is only a matter of time before he starts coming good for the club. Addressing the media ahead of the Everton game, the Tottenham boss has now opened up on Xavi’s adaptation and what he expects from the player going forward. He explained that the Dutchman is still settling into life in N17, but praised his vision and attitude in training.

“Xavi has been with us for seven or eight weeks, something like that, which is a very short time in football, but in a way also a long time,” Frank told the club’s official channel.

“He is adapting every day. I liked his personality, the way he played the first 60 minutes against Aston Villa and I think he tired a little bit.

“It’s part of the learning coming into a much more intense league. I think my demands and our demands to him is more intensity in general. He is a player I believe in. I think he’s got the pass, I think he’s got the vision.

“He has just been out there, we have been training and he trained very well.”

Xavi will come good for Tottenham with time and experience

Frank has continued to search for the best possible way to integrate Xavi into his first XI. While the attacking midfielder has shown glimpses of his potential, particularly in the games against Brighton and Leeds United, there remains plenty of room for improvement before the Dutchman’s signing can be regarded as a success.

The Amsterdam-born maverick demonstrated his quality and class in the Bundesliga, establishing himself as one of the sought-after talents in European football. As such, the ex-PSG prodigy requires more time to get adjusted to the pace and physicality of the Premier League. It is only a matter of time before Xavi starts delivering the goods and makes a difference for Tottenham consistently.

Our fans have to be patient and back the Netherlands star to the hilt. Let’s see if Xavi starts against Everton or comes off the bench on Sunday.