Thomas Frank has made his expectations of Tottenham star known
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has made it clear that while he is pleased with the progress of Xavi Simons, he expects to see more intensity and consistency from the talented midfielder as he continues to adapt to life in the Premier League.
The Dutch international joined Spurs in a £51.8 million transfer from RB Leipzig towards the end of the summer window, marking one of the club’s most high-profile signings of the season. Despite his undeniable potential, Simons is still finding his rhythm in England’s top flight and has yet to complete a full 90-minute match for the north London side.
Frank, who took over at Tottenham earlier this year, has spoken highly of the 22-year-old’s attitude and willingness to learn but insists that there is still work to be done. The manager believes that Simons is developing in the right direction but must raise his energy levels to meet the physical demands of Premier League football.
“We try to help every player in the squad,” Frank explained during his latest press conference. “Xavi has been with us for seven or eight weeks — which, in football, is both a short and a long time. He’s adapting every day, and I can see improvements.”
The Danish coach highlighted Simons’ performance during the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, noting that the young midfielder displayed a strong personality and creativity in the first half before beginning to tire later in the game. Frank attributed this to the adjustment period required when transitioning from the Bundesliga to the high-tempo environment of English football.
“I liked his personality, the way he played in the first 60 minutes against Villa,” Frank continued. “He tired a little bit, which is part of the learning process. This league demands so much intensity, and my message to him is simple — I want more intensity in general.”
Despite his call for improvement, Frank made it clear that he has full faith in Simons’ potential. The Tottenham boss praised the midfielder’s vision, passing ability, and professional attitude in training, describing him as a player who can develop into a key figure for the team over time.
“He’s a player I believe in,” Frank said. “He’s got the passing, the vision, and the right mentality. He’s training very well. Hopefully, he will progress step by step.”
Since his arrival, Simons has made nine appearances for Tottenham, with the team securing four victories during that period. While flashes of brilliance have been evident, fans are still waiting for the former Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate to deliver a truly dominant performance in a Spurs shirt.
Tottenham’s defeat to Aston Villa last weekend has increased the pressure on Frank to secure a response when his side travels to face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday. It remains to be seen whether Simons will be handed a starting role, but Frank’s recent comments suggest that he continues to view the young midfielder as a long-term investment rather than a short-term solution.
As Spurs look to rediscover their winning form, all eyes will be on how quickly Simons can meet his manager’s demands — and whether his growing adaptation to the Premier League will begin to translate into decisive performances on the pitch.