James Maddison names the Tottenham star who impressed him vs Copenhagen, it wasn’t Van de Ven
Tottenham Hotspur produced a commanding and entertaining performance against Copenhagen, and James Maddison was quick to highlight one standout player after the final whistle.
Thomas Frank’s side looked unstoppable under the lights in North London, cruising to a 4-0 victory in the Champions League — a result that reignited belief among supporters after a difficult week domestically. The win not only showcased Tottenham’s attacking flair but also underlined the growing chemistry between their new signings and established stars.
Goals from Micky van de Ven, Wilson Odobert, Joao Palhinha, and Brennan Johnson sealed the emphatic victory. Van de Ven’s strike, a thunderous finish from distance, will undoubtedly be a contender for goal of the season, while Odobert and Johnson’s lively displays kept Copenhagen’s defence constantly under pressure. However, the real talking point of the night was the electric performance of Xavi Simons, who earned the Man of the Match award for his dazzling display in midfield.
Maddison full of praise for Simons
After the match, James Maddison took to social media to heap praise on his teammate, recognising just how influential Simons had been in Tottenham’s resounding victory. The English playmaker, who knows a thing or two about dictating games himself, commented on the Dutchman’s Instagram post, writing: “Toppppp today son,” in a show of admiration.
Simons was everywhere on the pitch — creative, confident, and relentless in his attacking intent. The 22-year-old midfielder registered three big chances created in the first half alone, the most by a Spurs player in the Champions League since the 2016/17 season. His incisive passing, vision, and ability to glide past defenders made him a constant menace to the visitors, and it finally looked like everything had clicked for him in a Tottenham shirt.
For Simons, this performance marked a significant turnaround. The youngster had endured a difficult start to life in North London, struggling to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League. His poor showing in the defeat to Chelsea over the weekend had raised questions about his form and confidence, but against Copenhagen, he answered those doubts emphatically.
A turning point in Simons’ Tottenham career?
Many around the club will be hoping that this is the moment Simons truly announces himself at Tottenham. His creativity and flair were exactly what Thomas Frank’s side had been missing in recent matches, and his chemistry with Maddison and Johnson in the final third was a glimpse of what Spurs’ attack could become once fully settled.
It wasn’t just the goals or assists that stood out, but Simons’ composure and maturity on the ball. He controlled the tempo of the game, frequently finding clever pockets of space and linking play between midfield and attack — the kind of performance Spurs fans had been waiting to see since his arrival.
Maddison’s public praise also suggests how much the dressing room believes in the young Dutchman’s potential. Having the support of senior teammates can be crucial for a young player trying to find his rhythm in a new league, and Simons’ response on the pitch showed he’s determined to prove his worth.
Thomas Frank hails Simons’ improvement
Head coach Thomas Frank was also full of admiration for Simons’ display, noting the progress he has made in recent weeks. Speaking to Tottenham’s official media channel after the match, Frank said:
“I think Xavi also made a step forward — very happy. I think he found some good pockets when we got the ball into him, and that was very positive. Happy he got the assist. I think he could have easily got one or two more on the day, so he is getting better and better.”
Frank’s comments reflect the growing confidence within the squad, and the Danish coach will be eager to see Simons continue this upward trajectory. With his energy, technical skill, and intelligence, the former PSG and RB Leipzig playmaker could become a vital cog in Tottenham’s creative setup this season.
Eyes on Manchester United
Next up for Tottenham is a highly anticipated clash against Manchester United, managed by Ruben Amorim, and Simons will be desperate to carry his Champions League form into that fixture. A strong showing against one of England’s