Tottenham’s Xavi Simons Is Struggling to Create – Here Is How They Can Help Him

Tottenham’s Struggle for Creativity Under Thomas Frank

Tottenham Hotspur, once renowned for their flair and attacking prowess, have struggled under the tenure of manager Thomas Frank. The team has adopted a more organized and compact style that emphasizes defense and tactical discipline. This shift can be seen as a strategic move to counteract their previous inconsistent performances.

However, it has also brought into focus the glaring gap in creative playmaking within the squad.

Thomas Frank’s approach has been evident in Tottenham’s recent matches, particularly in their 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday. The manager’s strategy relies heavily on long throws and orchestrated set pieces, strategies that, while effective, cannot solely drive a team like Tottenham to success at the highest level of English football.

Xavi Simons: A €60 Million Question Mark

The performance of Xavi Simons has been a central issue for Tottenham. The club’s summer signing, acquired for an impressive €60 million, has struggled to assert his creative presence on the pitch. A closer look at the match against Aston Villa reveals that Simons was often isolated and disconnected from his teammates.

Analysis of the pass network during the match showed that Simons faced significant challenges in connecting with his team-mates.

His positioning was more central than usual, yet he rarely received passes or connected with other players effectively. This suggests a need for Tottenham to reassess their midfield setup and pass distribution strategies to better unlock Simons’ creative potential.

Unlocking Simons: Higher-Risk Passing and Creative Freedom

For Tottenham to make the most of Xavi Simons’ talents, they must adopt a more adventurous approach in their playmaking. The key lies in higher-risk passing from deeper positions, allowing Simons to dictate the game when it is tough.

Manager Thomas Frank highlighted this need during his pre-match press conference, stating that he wants Simons “to a little bit more dictate the game and get on the ball when it’s tough because he’s so good on the ball.” This suggests that Frank recognizes the importance of giving Simons more freedom to operate in central areas where he can thrive.

Implications for Tottenham’s Season

Tottenham’s creative struggles extend beyond just Xavi Simons. The team has shown an over-reliance on set pieces and long throws, leading to a discrepancy between their expected goals (xG) from open play and actual goal-scoring ability. This trend can be unsustainable if left unaddressed.

For Tottenham to compete effectively in both domestic and European competitions, they need to improve their creative output through the midfield.

With key players like James Maddison out with injuries, and others still developing their roles within the team, this task becomes even more critical.

The future of Xavi Simons at Tottenham hinges on his ability to adapt to the tactical demands placed upon him and the willingness of Thomas Frank to give him the freedom he needs. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether these changes can transform Tottenham’s fortunes and bring about a return to their creative best.