Xavi Simons is facing growing scrutiny at Tottenham Hotspur, with former Spurs midfielder Rafael van der Vaart questioning the attacker’s level after a difficult first season in the Premier League.
The Dutch international arrived with high expectations following impressive spells in Germany and the Netherlands, but his performances in north London have yet to match that reputation.
Xavi Simons criticised by Rafael van der Vaart after Tottenham struggles
Van der Vaart did not hold back when assessing Simons’ impact, suggesting the 22-year-old has struggled to translate his talent into consistent performances.
Speaking on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo, as reported by De Telegraaf, the former Tottenham player admitted he expected more.
“He disappoints me. I had expected much more from him. He wants so badly to show how good he is. That has the opposite effect.” — Rafael van der Vaart
The criticism reflects a wider debate around Simons’ adaptation to English football, particularly given the expectations that followed his summer move.
Sharp contrast with previous form
Simons’ current struggles are made more notable by his performances before joining Tottenham.
At RB Leipzig, he produced 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 appearances, while his loan spell at PSV Eindhoven delivered similarly strong numbers.
That output established him as one of Europe’s most exciting young attacking midfielders, making his current form harder to explain.
“At Leipzig he really had a good spell. Tottenham is nothing at all.” — Rafael van der Vaart
Premier League numbers highlight dip in impact
A closer look at his Premier League record underlines the issue.
| Stat (2025/26) | Xavi Simons |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 25 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 4 |
| All comps G/A | 9 |
source: sofascore match data – 31 March 2026
For a player who arrived for around €65 million, those figures fall short of expectations for a key attacking role.
From the last few weeks of Tottenham’s campaign, his influence has been inconsistent, often struggling to impose himself in high-intensity matches.
Wider concerns from Dutch football figures
Van der Vaart is not alone in raising concerns. Dutch legend Ruud Gullit has also questioned Simons’ current level, suggesting uncertainty remains over how effective he can be at the highest level.
Having followed Tottenham closely this season, the lack of stability around the squad has not helped players settle, but individual output is still expected to meet a certain standard.
However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions about his long-term future, given his age and previous track record.
Key Insights
- Xavi Simons has been criticised by Rafael van der Vaart
- His Premier League output has fallen below expectations
- Previous performances at Leipzig and PSV contrast sharply with current form
- Other Dutch figures have also questioned his level
- Tottenham’s overall struggles have added to the pressure
What’s next for Simons?
Simons is expected to remain a key part of Tottenham’s squad for the remainder of the season, with opportunities to improve his form still available.
A strong finish to the campaign could shift perception, particularly if he begins to deliver more consistent attacking contributions. Much will depend on both his role in the team and Tottenham’s overall performance.
Is Xavi Simons simply adapting to the Premier League, or should Tottenham be concerned about his form?
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