Xavi Simons Supported To Take Position In Tottenham's Main Team

Xavi Simons has performed well in training and adapted to English football, ready to enter the first team of Tottenham Hotspur (Instagram/@spursofficial).

JAKARTA - Thomas Frank insists that Tottenham Hotspur's playmaker, Xavi Simons, has performed fantasticly in training, but does not guarantee he will start in an away match against Brentford on Saturday, December 6, 2025, WIB night.

The 22-year-old has had a difficult start in Spurs since he completed a 52 million move from RB Leipzig in August 2025.

The Dutchman has only recorded two assists in 18 appearances. He seemed to be able to adapt to the demands of English League football before the November 2025 international break with a series of performance improvements. However, he was finally backed up for four consecutive matches by Frank.

"Xavi has been practicing fantastically in the last five or six occasions. We can really practice. He has a very good attitude on the training ground. I really like him."

"We played different matches, with different line-ups. I think Xavi is (trying) for something better."

"As long as he stays the same as Mathhys Tel, trains well, and has a good attitude, then we will get closer."

"I think it's fair to say he will play in the four games we've played," Frank said.

Although Simons has played as a substitute in a streak of three defeats to four games, Frank's decision to play him as a substitute against Fulham last weekend surprised many, especially as Tottenham is struggling with creativity.

Spurs then lost 1-2 at home to Fulham and have never won nine games in which Xavi has not started since he joined before the end of the summer transfer market.

When Simons was included in the core line-up, Tottenham set a record six wins from nine matches. However, Frank confirmed his desire to play with the two attackers, Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani, who were the main reasons behind his decision to back up the Dutch midfielder last weekend.

"The scenario is different. We played with two strikers against PSG. Both scored goals. I think it's fair to say that."

"I wouldn't say we had trouble scoring because we scored 23 goals. I think it's quite a tall number."

"So, that's pretty good, but we also played with two players who played a slightly different role against Manchester United. So, there's only a difference between personnel and who is in the best form," Frank said.

Frank will face his former club Brentford for the first time this weekend. Despite the pleasantries before the game, it was a crucial match for the 52-year-old.

One Spurs point at Newcastle United on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, provided a much-needed positive boost. However, the problem is that Spurs have only won three of their last 14 games in all competitions.

Meanwhile, the Brentford camp was also not easily conquered, especially with the presence of Keith Andrews who was brought by Frank in the past. The former dead ball coach will try to increase pressure on his former boss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

"First and foremost, I think it's a great compliment for Brentford for being brave enough. What I see in Keith, he's a very good guy, has good grades, a good coach, has leadership potential. So, yes, very impressive," Frank said.