Thomas Frank, manager of Brentford, has expressed confidence in Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Xavi Simons, highlighting his impressive training sessions. Despite praising the 22-year-old’s performance in practice, Frank did not confirm whether Simons would start in their upcoming match against Brentford.
Xavi Simons’ Transition at Tottenham
Xavi Simons joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig in August for £52 million (approximately $69 million). Since then, his transition into the Premier League has been challenging. In 18 appearances, he has recorded only two assists. However, his recent training efforts have shown signs of improvement.
Performance Insights
- Simons has trained effectively over the past five or six sessions.
- He displayed a commendable attitude during training.
- Despite his contributions, he has been benched for the last four games.
Frank noted that Simons is progressing toward better performance levels. He compared Simons’ situation to that of Mathys Tel, emphasizing that consistent training habits are key to earning a starting spot.
Team Dynamics and Strategy
Tottenham’s recent performances have left fans concerned. The team has struggled with creativity, particularly in their last match against Fulham, where they lost 2-1. During the matches Simons has started, Tottenham achieved six victories in nine games. Nevertheless, Frank has opted for a two-striker formation, which affected Simons’ inclusion in the lineup.
Statistics from Recent Matches
- Simons has not started in nine matches since his signing.
- Tottenham’s record with Simons in the starting lineup: 6 wins in 9 matches.
- Overall performance: 3 wins in the last 14 matches across all competitions.
As Tottenham prepares to face Brentford, Frank will encounter his former club for the first time as the Spurs’ manager. His focus will be on improving Tottenham’s performance after a series of disappointing results.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming match against Brentford is critical for Frank and his squad. With only three wins in the last 14 games, he is under pressure to turn the team’s fortunes around. He praised Brentford’s proactive approach to leadership development and remains optimistic about his team’s future, particularly regarding talent like Xavi Simons.
