Spurs have an academy star who’s so good that he could steal the #7 shirt from Simons
Tottenham Hotspur made a lightning-fast start against Aston Villa over the weekend, racing into the lead within minutes — a testament to Thomas Frank’s clear emphasis on quick, aggressive beginnings. It was a promising sign of intent from a manager who has made front-foot football his calling card since taking charge.
However, despite the early breakthrough, Spurs failed to make their advantage count. As the match wore on, Unai Emery’s disciplined Aston Villa side wrestled back control and ultimately left north London with all three points. The 2-1 defeat once again highlighted Tottenham’s ongoing struggle to turn positive starts into results, particularly on home soil — an issue that has become a recurring theme in their Premier League campaign so far.
Beneath the surface, a deeper concern is emerging. Spurs continue to suffer from a lack of creativity in the final third, a problem that has blunted their attacking edge in recent weeks. Yet amid the frustration, there remains a sense of optimism around Hotspur Way. Creative linchpins James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are both nearing their returns from long-term injuries, and their comebacks could prove crucial in reigniting Tottenham’s attacking spark.
Until then, the creative burden falls heavily on summer signing Xavi Simons — a player brought in with great expectations but still struggling to find his rhythm in England.
Xavi Simons’ Spurs journey so far
Simons arrived at Tottenham in a big-money £51 million deal from RB Leipzig, bringing with him an exciting reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young stars. The 22-year-old Dutchman’s stats in Germany were sensational — 22 goals and 24 assists across two seasons — and Spurs fans were understandably excited to see him bring that flair to the Premier League.
However, the transition to English football has proven challenging. In eight appearances for Tottenham so far, Simons has yet to score and has only managed a single assist, which came on his debut against West Ham United. While his work ethic and tenacity are evident, the intensity and physicality of the Premier League have tested him, and his creative influence has waned as a result.
With Maddison and Kulusevski soon to be back in contention, Simons’ place in the starting XI could come under pressure. Frank may opt to shift him into a wider attacking role, where his dribbling and movement could be better utilized. Yet even that plan may not be straightforward, with one of Tottenham’s brightest academy prospects waiting in the wings.
The rising star of Mikey Moore
At just 18 years old, Mikey Moore has already made an impression at senior level, featuring 21 times for Spurs, scoring once, and providing two assists. Praised by pundits and scouts alike for his “world-class” potential, Moore was a standout performer during Tottenham’s Europa League-winning campaign last season, scoring his first senior goal against IF Elfsborg — a moment that had supporters buzzing about his future.
Fabrizio Romano once dubbed him a “superstar in the making,” and it’s easy to see why. Moore’s combination of blistering pace, technical finesse, and fearless attacking style makes him a nightmare for defenders. His preferred position on the left flank allows him to cut inside and create havoc — something Tottenham are sorely lacking right now.
Currently on loan at Rangers, Moore has endured a turbulent spell due to the club’s struggles this season, but his individual numbers remain promising. The England U19 captain has notched seven goals in 13 appearances at international level and ranks among the top 16% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for assists per 90 minutes, according to FBref. That kind of creative output could be exactly what Spurs need to reignite their faltering attack.
Youth scout Jacek Kulig once described Moore as “one of the most talented players of his generation in Europe,” and Tottenham see him as a cornerstone of their long-term project. Even James Maddison has compared Moore’s dribbling style to Neymar’s, calling him “artful, elegant, and in complete control.” Such praise underlines just how highly the youngster is regarded within the club.
Although Moore’s current loan spell in Scotland has been a test of character — with Rangers languishing in mid-table — it may be exactly the kind of adversity that helps him mature into a Premier League-ready player.
A creative crossroads for Tottenham
Thomas Frank has made a solid start to life as Tottenham’s head coach, but there are still clear issues to resolve. The most pressing among them is creativity — something that was painfully lacking in the defeat to Aston Villa, where Simons earned a disappointing 5/10 rating from football.london for his muted display.
With Maddison and Kulusevski edging closer to full fitness, competition for places will intensify. If Simons cannot find his spark soon, the door could open for Moore to make a case for a more prominent role once he returns from loan.
For all of Tottenham’s struggles, the future remains bright. Between the proven quality of Maddison and Kulusevski, the potential of Simons, and the electrifying promise of Moore, Spurs possess a creative core that could shape their attack for years to come.
If Frank can blend experience with youthful exuberance and get the balance right, Tottenham may yet evolve into one of the most fluid and entertaining sides in the Premier League — the kind of footballing powerhouse their fans have long been craving.