Tottenham lineup analysis: Three ways Spurs can use Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani

Tottenham’s attack has been reshaped by the arrivals of Xavi Simons (£52m from RB Leipzig) and Randal Kolo Muani (loan from PSG), giving Thomas Frank a wealth of attacking options. 

Tottenham Hotspur went into deadline week with attacking depth a priority. By the close of the window, they had pulled off two statement moves: Xavi Simons arriving from RB Leipzig in a £52m deal and Randal Kolo Muani joining on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

Both signings transform Frank’s attacking blueprint, especially with Dominic Solanke sidelined by an ankle injury and creative midfielders Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison also unavailable. The pair were unveiled within days of each other, raising excitement about Spurs’ forward options.

So how could Thomas Frank line up with his two new recruits?

In matches where Spurs dominate possession, Simons would naturally slot into the No10 role, dictating play in the final third. Kolo Muani, who can operate on the left, adds greater attacking thrust than Spurs’ current wide options.

This keeps Richarlison as the focal point, supported by Simons’ creativity and Kolo Muani’s pace.

Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1):
Vicario; Porro, Van de Ven, Romero, Spence; Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Simons, Kolo Muani; Richarlison

Against stronger opposition, Frank could revert to a workhorse midfield of Palhinha, Bentancur, and Sarr, ensuring defensive stability.

That pushes Simons wide left, giving him freedom to drift inside, while Kolo Muani leads the line as a central striker. This balances resilience with attacking threat.

Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1):
Vicario; Porro, Van de Ven, Romero, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Sarr, Simons; Kolo Muani

In European fixtures or cagey games, Frank may return to the 3-5-2 shape used against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup.

Simons drops into a more advanced No8 role, pulling strings behind the front two. Kolo Muani leads the line, with Kudus partnering him and drifting wide to stretch defences. This setup maximises ball progression while maintaining defensive cover.

Tottenham XI (3-5-2):
Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Palhinha, Bentancur, Simons, Spence; Kudus, Kolo Muani

FootballPlace analyst John William said:

“Tottenham needed creativity and depth — Simons and Kolo Muani deliver exactly that. The Dutchman is the natural playmaker Spurs lacked without Maddison, while Kolo Muani provides pace, movement, and tactical flexibility.”

He added:

“Frank now has the luxury of adapting his system depending on opposition. Spurs can go aggressive with two strikers, cautious with a three-man midfield, or fluid with Simons drifting wide. It makes them far less predictable.”

Both players will train during the international break and could debut together in Spurs’ first game back. Frank is expected to rotate systems depending on whether Spurs face low blocks or high-intensity pressing opponents.

Supporters are excited to see how quickly Simons adapts to the Premier League, while Kolo Muani offers an immediate solution to Solanke’s injury absence.

Which lineup do you think best suits Spurs — Simons at No10 with Muani wide, Simons drifting inside, or both operating in a 3-5-2?