Fans Drop Verdict on Xavi Simons’ Spurs Debut
Xavi Simons – despite serious interest from several top European clubs, with Chelsea the most notable suitor – chose to join Tottenham Hotspur from RB Leipzig in the summer for a hefty £51 million. The Dutchman’s decision to head to North London was seen as a major coup for Spurs, who beat off fierce competition to land one of Europe’s brightest young stars. On Saturday evening, he finally made his first appearance in the Premier League for his new club, coming in a London derby against West Ham United. Tottenham ran out comfortable 3-0 winners, but the spotlight was firmly on the 22-year-old. The key question was: how did he perform in his much-anticipated debut?
Spurs’ Dominant Victory Sets the Stage
The game itself wasn’t without controversy. Cristian Romero thought he had given Tottenham an early lead with a powerful header, only for referee Jarred Gillett to controversially chalk it off – a decision that left many scratching their heads. But Spurs didn’t allow frustration to derail their performance. Just after the restart, Pape Matar Sarr broke the deadlock with a towering header from a pinpoint Xavi Simons corner. Moments later, Lucas Bergvall, making waves of his own this season, doubled Tottenham’s advantage with a smartly placed header over Mads Hermansen.
The win was sealed when defender Micky van de Ven added a third, capping off a commanding display from Thomas Frank’s side. For Tottenham, it was more than just three points against a rival London club – it also symbolised a passing of the torch. With long-time talisman Son Heung-min now plying his trade in MLS with Los Angeles FC, Spurs fans were eager to see if Simons could grow into the role of the new attacking figurehead.
Taking the No.7 Shirt – and the Weight of Expectation
Simons signed a five-year deal upon arriving at the state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and was immediately handed the prestigious No.7 shirt, previously worn by Son. It’s a symbolic number at Spurs and one that brings enormous expectation. Replacing Son is no easy task, but Simons has never been one to shy away from responsibility.
Lining up on the left side of Tottenham’s front three, the Dutch international was given 71 minutes by Frank before being replaced by Richarlison. Traditionally, Simons has thrived as a central playmaker – operating just behind a striker where his creativity and vision shine brightest. Against West Ham, however, he was asked to play slightly wider, a role that naturally limited his ability to dictate play as much as he might have liked.
Breaking Down His Performance
Despite being stationed on the flank, Simons was heavily involved throughout. He registered 50 touches before his substitution – a figure that underlines his willingness to get on the ball and make things happen. While he didn’t record a single touch inside the opposition penalty area, his stats highlighted flashes of promise:
Final third passing: Three passes into attacking areas showed his intent to push Spurs forward.
Long balls: He completed all four of his attempted long passes, demonstrating his precision and range.
Chance creation: He crafted one clear chance, further evidence of his playmaking instinct.
Duels: He won all three ground duels, showing he wasn’t afraid of the physical side of the game.
Most importantly, his corner delivery for Sarr’s opener was exquisite – bending in with pace and accuracy, it was the type of set-piece delivery that fans will hope becomes a trademark.
Djed Spence’s overlapping runs also played a crucial role in helping Simons tuck inside and find space in more familiar central areas. The link-up between the two was one of the more encouraging aspects of Tottenham’s attacking play on the night.
Reaction From Fans
Supporters were quick to flood social media with their thoughts on Simons’ debut. Many were simply thrilled that a player of his calibre had chosen Spurs. One fan posted on X (formerly Twitter):
> “I can’t believe Xavi Simons plays for my football club!”
Others were particularly impressed with his delivery and combination play:
“His crosses were immense, very enjoyable to watch.”
“Xavi and Djed on the left are so fun to watch.”
“The chemistry between him and Spence is great.”
However, some expressed concern about his long-term role if he continues to be deployed wide rather than centrally. One supporter argued:
> “Xavi Simons put in a really good shift, excited to see him play as the 10 though.”
Another warned:
> “If Thomas Frank is gonna play Xavi Simons as a wide playmaker, the signing is going to flop faster than you can say boo.”
The Bigger Picture
What is perhaps most striking about Simons is not just his ability, but his experience at such a young age. At only 22, he has already represented Paris Saint-Germain, PSV Eindhoven, and RB Leipzig, while also featuring for the Netherlands in two major international tournaments. Spurs fans know he isn’t just a talented youngster – he’s a player with pedigree, maturity, and a hunger to succeed on the biggest stage.
Saturday’s performance wasn’t a flawless debut, but it was a glimpse of what’s to come. He showcased flashes of his creativity, technical quality, and big-game temperament, while also reminding everyone that he is still adapting to a new team, a new league, and a new role within the system.
For Tottenham, the future looks promising. With players like Simons, Bergvall, and Tel forming the new attacking core, Spurs are clearly entering a new era under Thomas Frank. And for Xavi Simons, the journey has only just begun.