“He’s Always on the floor”- £55m Tottenham star labelled unconvincing amidst poor start
Tottenham Hotspur pulled off one of the most dramatic moves of the summer transfer window, snatching Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig in a deal that immediately made headlines across Europe. The 22-year-old Dutchman had long been tipped for a switch to the Premier League, and for much of the summer Chelsea appeared to be in pole position. The Blues even managed to agree personal terms with the highly-rated midfielder before the negotiations collapsed late on, leaving the door wide open for Spurs to make their move.
Sensing an opportunity, Tottenham acted decisively, swooping in to lure Simons to North London and handing him the famous No.7 shirt on a long-term deal. The signing was seen as a statement of intent by the Lilywhites, as Simons arrived with a growing reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young attacking talents, having already proven himself on the big stage with PSV Eindhoven, Paris Saint-Germain, and most recently Leipzig.
The excitement around Hotspur Way in the final days of the window was palpable. Staff members revealed that senior players were constantly asking for updates as the deal edged closer, a reflection of how highly Simons is regarded among his peers before even stepping onto the pitch at N17. His signing was not only about adding quality, but also about injecting creativity and flair into Thomas Frank’s project.
Early Pressure on Simons
Yet with big expectations comes equally big pressure. Simons has made a slow start to life in North London, struggling to impose himself consistently in Premier League matches. Frequently deployed on the flanks rather than in his preferred central playmaking role, the Dutch international has found opportunities limited to make a real impact. Frank has tended to use him as an impact substitute in the opening weeks, a decision that has frustrated supporters eager to see what the club’s new marquee signing can deliver from the start.
Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, speaking on talkSPORT, has been one of the early critics of Simons’ adaptation.
> “Simons, I’m not sure about,” Agbonlahor admitted. “It’s early on and you only judge players after five or six games, but I’m really not sure about him, mate. Sometimes you look at a player and think, ‘okay, I like what he’s about.’ But with Simons, I watch him and he’s always on the floor.”
Agbonlahor questioned whether Simons possesses the raw pace and physicality to succeed in England’s top flight. Highlighting the £65 million fee Tottenham could end up paying for him with add-ons, the ex-Villa man stressed that the Dutchman needs to start affecting games sooner rather than later.
Finding His Best Role
Despite the shaky start, there are encouraging signs. In his recent cameo against Brighton, Simons was finally given the opportunity to play more centrally as a No.10, a role that suits his natural instincts. The difference was immediate — he linked up sharply with teammates, threaded clever passes through defensive lines, and created scoring opportunities. That performance offered a tantalizing glimpse of what he could bring if given the freedom to dictate play in the middle of the park.
For many Spurs fans, the hope is that Thomas Frank will soon trust Simons to play in that central role more regularly. Tottenham have lacked a true playmaker since Christian Eriksen’s departure, and Simons could be the answer to that void if he settles quickly. At just 22, he has time on his side, but the weight of expectation is heavy, particularly with the price tag hanging over him and critics already circling.
What Comes Next?
Ultimately, Xavi Simons’ Tottenham story is only just beginning. His arrival has already energized the squad and added excitement among the fanbase, but he must now translate potential into consistent performances. For a club aiming to re-establish itself among England’s elite, Simons could be the difference between merely competing and truly challenging.
The question now is whether Thomas Frank can unlock his full potential — and whether Simons himself can adapt to the physicality and relentless tempo of the Premier League. If he does, Spurs may have landed themselves not just a headline signing, but a future star capable of defining a new era at N17.