Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has called for more intensity from new signing Xavi Simons, while reaffirming his belief in the Dutch playmaker’s quality as he adjusts to the rigours of the Premier League.

Spurs travel to Everton on Sunday looking to bounce back after a disappointing run that included a home defeat to Aston Villa and a Champions League draw with AS Monaco.

Simons Still Adapting

Signed from RB Leipzig for a reported €60 million in August, 22-year-old Simons has registered one assist for Spurs — on his debut during the 3–0 win over West Ham in September.

“Xavi has been with us for seven or eight weeks, which is a short time in football but also a long time,” Frank said on Friday.

“I liked his personality after the first 60 minutes against Villa, but he then tired a bit. Our demand to him is more intensity. He’s a player I believe in — he’s got the pass and vision. He trained very well this week.”

Kolo Muani Close to First Start

French forward Randal Kolo Muani, who joined Spurs on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain, is edging closer to his first Premier League start.

The 26-year-old made his debut in Spurs’ 2–1 home loss to Villa after missing time with a “dead leg.”

“It’s the first time he’s had a sustained block of training and minutes. He can’t be bombarding 90 minutes again and again, but he can be used, which is good news,” Frank said.

Looking Ahead to Everton

Currently sixth in the Premier League with 14 points from eight matches, Spurs trail leaders Arsenal by five points. Frank warned that Sunday’s trip to 12th-placed Everton will be a tough test.

“I think Everton is a very good team, not just Jack Grealish. David Moyes is a good colleague and friend of mine, someone I respect a lot, and his teams are always hard to beat. Grealish is flourishing again there,” he said.

Spurs will be without captain Cristian Romero, who continues to recover from an adductor strain.

“Cuti [Romero] just walked out on the grass running. Positive and progressing. There’s no timeframe, but I don’t expect it to be a long one,” Frank added.