Xavi Simons
TOT
Netherlands
Right
Apr 21, 2003
22
5'10"
128 lb
LW
AM
Creative Playmaker
SpursScores brace Wednesday
Simons scored two goals to go with four shots (two on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 3-2 victory against Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Simons scored an excellent outside-the-box strike in the 52nd minute Wednesday, a goal that cut the aggregate deficit to two goals and gave Spurs some hope. After Atletico scored in the 75th minute and wrapped up the tie, Simons scored a consolation penalty in the 90th minute to give himself his first brace in a Spurs shirt. He had a very productive match outside the two goals too as he created a season-high five chances in one of Spurs' best attacking performances of the entire season. His UCL campaign has come to an end with him making 10 appearances (six starts) and scoring three goals and providing one assist.
Three shots Sunday
Simons registered three shots (one on goal) and one corner in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Liverpool.
Analysis: Simons took three shots and a single corner during Sunday's clash, and only put one of his shots on goal. It wasn't a poor showing, but he didn't have much room to work against a stout Liverpool side. It's been a very difficult season for Simons and co. as they fight a shock relegation scrap. Points in the coming weeks could be tremendously important for Spurs as they look to avoid a shock drop.
Quiet in Sunday's loss
Simons had one shot (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 4-1 defeat versus Arsenal.
Analysis: Simons was kept at bay in Sunday's North London Derby, logging one shot and one chance created across his 90 minutes of action. The whole attack was shut down by Arsenal's impressive defense, but it was still a disappointing day individually for Simons. He'll look to bounce back Sunday at Fulham.
Two shots Saturday
Simons generated two shots (zero on goal), three crosses (two accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 loss against Manchester United.
Analysis: Simons was Spurs' most effective attack Saturday, but that is not saying much. He recorded two accurate crosses and created one chance, but he did not have many opportunities thanks to Cristian Romero's early red card. He's been playing very well as of late and will need to continue to do so with Spurs in rough form in the Premier League.
Excellent in Sunday's draw
Simons assisted once to go with five shots (two on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Manchester City. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 38th minute.
Analysis: Simons put together another excellent attacking performance Sunday, highlighted by his assist on Dominic Solanke's goal in the 53rd minute. He created a season-high four chances on the attack and has now created at least three chances in five of his last six appearances (all competitions). He also took a season-high five shots and recorded five crosses on the attack. With Spurs currently dealing with a host of injuries, Simons will need to continue to step up and lead this attack.
Productive in Wednesday's win
Simons had two shots (one on goal), six crosses (three accurate) and five corners in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Analysis: Simons had a very productive match Wednesday which is not too surprising given his previous success in the Bundesliga. He recorded a secondary assist as his cross in the 47th minute found Cristian Romero open in the box, who used a header to set up Randal Kolo Muani's opening goal. Simons also created three chances and recorded a season-high three accurate crosses in what was one of his best performances in a Spurs shirt so far.
Playing through pain
Simons contributed five shots (one on target), three tackles and one chance created in Tuesday's 2-0 victory against Dortmund in the Champions League while playing through pain due to a foot bruise, he shared on Instagram.
Analysis: Simons was decent in Tuesday's victory against Dortmund, contributing a season high five shots and remaining a constant threat in the frontline for the Spurs despite playing through pain due to a foot bruise. The playmaker already missed some training recently due to a swollen ankle, but those minor issues aren't affecting his playing time since he has logged 90 minutes in each of his last four appearances with Tottenham.
Doesn't train, still playing
Simons didn't train ahead of Tuesday's match against Dortmund but is still an option, according to manager Thomas Frank. One of them is Xavi, the guy who was out there and didn't train today because it was a bad tackle from Bowen - not that Bowen is a bad guy, wouldn't do anything intentional - a bad tackle from behind that injured his ankle, he has a swollen ankle, but because he's so strong mentally, he will play through pain tomorrow. So that's big credit, of course, to Xavi.
Analysis: Simons suffered an injury in the club's most recent match that has led to a swollen ankle and his absence from training Monday. However, the attacker will still be an option, set to play as the club takes the field with a limited squad due to injury. He will likely be tasked to start despite the injury, although they may limit him to be cautious.
Productive in Saturday's loss
Simons recorded four shots (one on goal) and one corner in Saturday's 2-1 defeat versus West Ham United.
Analysis: Simons was very active on the attack in Saturday's loss as he tied a season high with four shots and set a season high with three chances created. Those contributions did not result in a goal, an assist or a win, but it was still a promising performance for the midfielder who's had a disappointing debut campaign in North London.
Assists opener Wednesday
Simons assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-2 defeat to AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Simons returned from his three-match ban Wednesday and immediately made an impact. He set up Mathys Tel's goal in the 5th minute to open up the scoring, his third assist in the Premier League this season. He did not do much else in the match, but it was enough to give him a productive outing despite the loss.
Ends suspension
Simons is no longer banned and is an option for the club moving forward.
Analysis: Simons is back from his ban after three games out, having been shown a red card following a VAR review last time out. The attacker gives them a boost just after the sale of Brennan Johnson and following Mohammad Kudus' injury Sunday, potentially starting immediately after his ban. He has started in nine of his 14 appearances this season while recording one goal and two assists.
Sent off after VAR review
Simons was shown a red card in the 33rd minute of Saturday's match against Liverpool.
Analysis: Simons was initially shown a yellow card Saturday, but following a VAR review, the attacker was shown a straight red card for clipping the ankle of Virgil van Dijk. This will leave him suspended for three games due to violent conduct, set to miss out against Crystal Palace and Brentford and Sunderland, returning to play against Bournemouth on Jan. 7. The club will have to do without a starter until the new year, with Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson as potential replacements.
Converts penalty Tuesday
Simons scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) in Tuesday's 3-0 win versus Slavia Prague.
Analysis: Simons, who was coming off a two-goal contribution performance versus Brentford on Saturday, found the back of the net again Tuesday. He converted a penalty in the 79th minute, marking his first UCL goal with Spurs and just his third in 19 career UCL appearances. He finished the match with a season-high three shots, but the penalty was the only one he put on target. He completed the full 90 minutes for just the second time this season in any competition, and both have come in the past four days.
Goal and assist Saturday
Simons scored one goal and assisted once from four shots and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Brentford.
Analysis: Simons finally found his groove Saturday as he made his first start in any competition since Nov. 8. He assisted Richarlison's opener in the 25th minute, then doubled Spurs' lead with a goal of his own in the 43rd minute. It marked his first goal for Spurs since joining the club in August and it marked his first two goal contributions in the Premier League since his Spurs debut back on Sept. 13. He will look to build off this performance Sunday at Nottingham Forest.
Assists in Tuesday's win
Simons assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and four chances created in Tuesday's 4-0 win against FC Copenhagen.
Analysis: Simons delivered an excellent lofted pass to Brennan Johnson in the 19th minute, leading to Johnson scoring the opener in Tuesday's win. It marked his first assist in the Champions League this season and just his second goal contribution in all competitions. He created a season-high four chances in the win, giving him perhaps his best performance so far with Spurs. He also recorded one accurate cross and won one tackle before he was subbed off in the 61st minute for Joao Palhinha.
Ineffective in loss
Simons had two crosses (zero accurate) and four tackles in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 59th minute.
Analysis: Simons did not start Saturday's match but he was brought on in the 7th minute when Lucas Bergvall (head) was brought off with an injury. He did not have much of an impact on the attack as he recorded just two inaccurate crosses in his 66 minutes of action. It's been a disappointing start to his Spurs career as he has just one goal contribution in 10 appearances (six starts) across the Premier League and Champions League.
11 crosses Saturday
Simons had 11 crosses (three accurate) and nine corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Wolverhampton. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 32nd minute.
Analysis: Simons recorded a season-high 11 crosses Saturday, in large part because he also took nine corners in the draw. He recorded three accurate crosses and created one shot, but he did not take shot for the first time in his young Spurs career. He was subbed off in the 78th minute for Wilson Odobert.
Two shots in Tuesday's win
Simons generated two shots (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Tuesday's 1-0 victory versus Villarreal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 30th minute.
Analysis: Simons did not light up the stat sheet in Tuesday's UCL opener, but he was close to recording a goal contribution a couple times in the match. He also picked up a yellow card in the first half and was extremely lucky to not pick up a second later in the match after a tactical foul. He was subbed off the pitch in the 77th minute for Brennan Johnson.
Assists on debut
Simons assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), seven crosses (one accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 3-0 win over West Ham United.
Analysis: Simons assisted the opening goal of the game from a corner when he found Pape Sarr at the back post. In the Bundesliga last season, he had scored 10 goals and provided seven assists, despite Lepizig struggling in the league. After only one game he is the joint second-highest set piece taker for Spurs this season.
Spotted in Spurs training
Simons was involved in team training Wednesday, according to his club.
Analysis: Simons appears to be getting integrated with the Spurs squad as players return from the international break, as the midfielder was a part of his first training session Wednesday. This should mean he is involved moving forward, with his first chance to appear for the club Sept. 13 against West Ham. He joins as a riveting prospect who has shown tons of talent between Germany, the Netherlands and France, with 65 goals and 53 assists in 178 career matches at only age 22.
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