‘That didn’t work out’: Dutch media unimpressed by Tottenham Hotspur signing Xavi Simons in Netherlands draw
Tottenham Hotspur supporters are entering a week filled with both excitement and uncertainty. Off the pitch, the club was rocked on Thursday by the sudden departure of long-serving chairman Daniel Levy, who stepped down with immediate effect after more than two decades in charge. His exit signals the beginning of a new chapter in Spurs’ history, one that fans hope will usher in fresh ambition and success.
On the pitch, anticipation is building for the debut of new signing Xavi Simons. The Dutch playmaker completed his move to North London last week, revealing that his sister played a significant role in convincing him to join Tottenham. Simons was officially unveiled to the Spurs faithful last weekend, but due to the international break, his first appearance in a Tottenham shirt has been delayed until next weekend’s clash against West Ham United.
While Spurs fans eagerly await his debut, many tuned in on Thursday evening to watch Simons feature for the Netherlands in their 1-1 draw with Poland. However, his performance didn’t exactly set pulses racing, and Dutch media outlets were quick to criticise his display.
Out of Position for the Netherlands
Simons, widely regarded as a dynamic creative midfielder, is at his best when playing in the number 10 role or drifting inside from the left flank, where he can dictate play and unlock defences. Unfortunately for him, neither position was available against Poland. Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo was handed the left-wing role, while Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders took up the central playmaking position.
That left Simons operating from the right-hand side – a role that does not suit his natural strengths. Instead of providing width and stretching Poland’s defence, he often cut inside, effectively playing as a second striker. The problem was, his influence on the game was minimal.
Dutch Media Deliver Harsh Ratings
The Netherlands’ football press didn’t hold back in their assessments. Voetbal International awarded him a modest 5.5/10, while Voetbalzone were particularly scathing, rating him just 4/10. Voetbal Primeur also scored him 5.5/10, expressing disappointment that his constant drifting inside offered little to the team’s attacking balance. “Was supposed to be a right winger, but by cutting inside a lot, he effectively functioned as a second striker. That didn’t work out so well. Simons had little to no say in the matter,” their verdict read.
Meanwhile, Algemeen Dagblad gave him a 5/10 and highlighted specific errors. They noted that before half-time, Simons twice gave the ball away cheaply, allowing Poland dangerous counter-attacking opportunities. They also pointed to his missed chance when Memphis Depay teed him up for what could have been a decisive second goal. Ultimately, Simons was withdrawn in the second half and replaced by Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen.
Better Things to Come at Tottenham
For Simons, it was far from a performance to remember, but context is key. Playing in an unnatural role limited his effectiveness, and Spurs fans should not be overly concerned by one underwhelming outing. Once he pulls on a Tottenham shirt, he will be deployed in positions that better suit his strengths – either as the central playmaker behind the striker or cutting in from the left.
Head coach Thomas Frank, who has been closely monitoring his players during the international break, will have noted the lessons from Thursday’s game. Simons is not a natural right winger, and with Mohammed Kudus available to take up that position, there should be little temptation to repeat the Netherlands’ experiment at Spurs.
Simons will hope for redemption in the Netherlands’ upcoming clash against Lithuania on Sunday, where he may be afforded more freedom to influence the game. Regardless of his international form, Tottenham fans are counting down the days until his debut, expecting him to showcase the flair, vision, and creativity that made his signing one of the most talked-about moves of the summer.
With a new era dawning at Tottenham following Levy’s exit, all eyes will soon turn to the pitch, where Simons could become one of the first stars to define this fresh chapter in the club’s history.