After a promising introduction to life in north London, Xavi Simons is beginning to find things increasingly difficult at Tottenham Hotspur.

The 22-year-old Dutch midfielder arrived over the summer, joining Spurs after intense interest from Chelsea. Having built a strong reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young creators at RB Leipzig, expectations were understandably high.

So far, however, Simons has managed just one assist in 11 appearances across all competitions — setting up Pape Sarr’s opener in the 3-0 win over West Ham — and has struggled to replicate his Bundesliga form.

So, what’s gone wrong?

A Tactical Shift Under Thomas Frank

There’s a long-running joke that Bundesliga stars often take time to adjust to the Premier League — and Simons’ early struggles fit that narrative. The pace and physicality of English football leave little room for the extra second of decision-making players sometimes enjoy in Germany.

Under new manager Thomas Frank, Spurs have undergone a notable tactical transformation. Gone is the all-out attacking chaos of Ange Postecoglou’s tenure; in its place, a more structured and defensively solid approach.

Frank’s system has made Tottenham tougher to break down and physically resilient — and the results back him up, with Spurs currently sitting third in the table. However, the trade-off has been a drop in creativity.

Tottenham rank 12th for big chances created (17), 12th in shots on target per 90 (3.7), and 13th in expected goals (10). Yet, their 1.9 goals per game and 18.1% shot conversion rate — the best in the league — show they’re clinical when chances do arrive.

In short, Spurs are creating like a mid-table team but finishing like title contenders.

Lack of Supply for Simons

Much of Tottenham’s chance creation this season has come from Mohammed Kudus, largely due to his role on set pieces. The Ghanaian has already registered four assists and delivered a league-high 19 accurate crosses at a success rate of 28.3%.

Simons, meanwhile, has struggled to get involved in dangerous areas. He’s had just seven touches in the opposition box this season and has often been deployed on the left flank rather than his preferred central attacking role.

Frank’s use of a double pivot featuring Rodrigo Bentancur and João Palhinha — both excellent ball-winners but not known for progressive passing — has also limited the team’s ability to move possession quickly through midfield. As a result, Simons has found it difficult to receive the ball in positions where he can influence play.

What Thomas Frank Has Said

Despite the slow start, Frank has remained publicly supportive of Simons. Recently, he drew parallels between Simons and Florian Wirtz, another young talent still finding his feet in the Premier League with Liverpool.

“Very good comparison with Wirtz — also a very good player, just like Xavi — coming into a new country, new club, new city. It just takes time to settle,” Frank said last week.

“I always look for glimpses, and Xavi showed more of those in the last game. Was there a big eye-catching moment? No, but there were signs it’s moving in the right direction.”

According to Fabrizio Romano, Frank has expressed similar sentiments privately, assuring club officials that Tottenham have “no doubts” about Simons’ long-term quality and that patience will be key as he adapts to the Premier League’s demands.

Verdict

Simons’ underwhelming start isn’t entirely his fault. Tottenham’s more pragmatic setup under Frank — effective though it’s been — hasn’t played to the strengths of a player who thrives on fluid attacking movement and quick combinations.

There’s still every reason to believe Simons will come good once he adjusts to the pace and rhythm of English football. For now, Spurs’ defensive solidity may be coming at the cost of unlocking one of Europe’s most gifted young creators.