Xavi Simons’ first months at Tottenham Hotspur are coming under heavy scrutiny in the Netherlands, with high-profile pundits Johan Derksen and René van der Gijp both questioning whether the midfielder is cut out for the Premier League.
Speaking on Vandaag Inside, Derksen claimed that Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is already “unhappy” with Simons, who joined from RB Leipzig in the summer for €65 million but has so far struggled to adapt to England’s pace and physicality.
The 22-year-old, once considered one of Europe’s brightest attacking talents, has managed just one assist in ten appearances for Spurs this season — and that came back in September in a 3–0 win over West Ham.
Derksen: “Simons is failing at Tottenham”
Derksen didn’t hold back in his assessment of Simons’ performances since arriving in North London, comparing him unfavourably to fellow Dutchman Tijani Reijnders, who has flourished in the Premier League for Manchester City.
“Simons is failing at Tottenham,” Derksen said. “The manager is unhappy with him. He’s a nice indoor player, but you need speed and strength. He lacks that.” — Johan Derksen, via Vandaag Inside
Derksen’s comments echo a growing sentiment that Simons has yet to find his rhythm in Frank’s tactical setup, which demands intensity and directness — traits that were less emphasised during his time in the Bundesliga.
Van der Gijp: “His qualities aren’t enough”
Fellow analyst René van der Gijp supported Derksen’s criticism, adding that Simons’ technical gifts are being overshadowed by his lack of physical impact.
“He lacks strength. And then his footballing qualities aren’t sufficient. Someone like Gianfranco Zola didn’t have that strength either, but he could play so well. With this guy, it’s just a bit too little.” — René van der Gijp, via Vandaag Inside
The comparison highlights the challenge for Simons — balancing his flair and creativity with the physical consistency demanded in the Premier League.
Simons’ Tottenham record so far (2025/26)
| Stat (2025/26) | Xavi Simons |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Chances Created | 1 |
| Pass Accuracy | 85% |
source: Sofascore match data – 28 October 2025
While the raw numbers are underwhelming, context matters. Tottenham’s attacking structure remains in flux under Frank, and the loss of James Maddison has left Simons carrying the creative burden in a side still searching for rhythm.
Our View
In our view, Simons’ slow adaptation isn’t unusual for a young player making the leap to English football. The Premier League’s tempo and physicality are a major adjustment for technically driven playmakers. What’s more, Tottenham’s transitional season under Thomas Frank has meant limited tactical stability — not ideal conditions for a newcomer.
Still, for €65m, expectations are naturally high. Simons was signed to fill Maddison’s creative void, and while flashes of brilliance have appeared, consistency and confidence remain missing. The challenge now is psychological as much as tactical.
Key Insights
- Johan Derksen says Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is “unhappy” with Xavi Simons.
- The €65m summer signing has only one assist in ten appearances.
- Dutch pundits claim he lacks strength and speed for Premier League football.
- Tottenham are still adjusting under Thomas Frank’s management.
- Simons was signed to replace James Maddison as the team’s creative spark.
What’s Next
Tottenham face Chelsea in the Premier League on 1 November 2025, and Simons could find himself back on the bench unless he impresses in training this week. Frank will be keen to see a stronger, more assertive display from the Dutchman soon.
For Simons, the message is clear — talent alone won’t be enough in England’s most demanding league. It’s time to prove the critics wrong.
👉 Is Xavi Simons being judged too harshly, or is he really “failing” at Tottenham?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 28 Oct 2025 13:40
Thank god we dodge this one
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