Roberto De Zerbi knows how to extract best from Xavi Simons - the latest admission proves it
Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi will be awaiting the return of Xavi Simons next season.
The Dutchman endured a hit-and-miss season after his move from RB Leipzig, but began to show serious signs of life under De Zerbi.
As analysed by Tottenham News in April, he burst into form under the new boss directly before his term came to a gutting end.
As Spurs picked up their first win of the year, Simons was forced off in the 1-0 triumph against Wolves.
The Lilywhites have made wholesale changes to the squad so far this summer, as they look to climb up the standings.
Simons though, is not someone to forget despite the pre-season excitement, with his boss knowing exactly what is needed to extract the very best out of him.
What Xavi Simons has said after Roberto De Zerbi uptick
After the poor spells of Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, Tottenham were left dangling in serious relegation trouble.
They eventually went on to survive on the final day, courtesy of a turnaround under De Zerbi.
Speaking on this, Simons told The Daily Mail: "If I'm honest with you, from the day he came in, he changed the mentality of the club with the way he transmits what he wants.
"Something was different from the first day. New energy, new boost. Sometimes in bad situations you only need a small change to make a massive difference and that small change was Roberto," added the Dutch star.
Simons endured a difficult start to life in North London, but his talent was visible from the off. This is something he highlighted when discussing what the manager's role.
"When he was a player, he played as a No 10 like me. He knows how I feel in certain situations," said the 23-year-old, outlining how De Zerbi knows just how to extract the best.
"It's true, I need that kind of freedom to feel good about my game. He gave me confidence and that's what you need as a player.
"When you don't feel confidence or trust from the manager, it's a little bit difficult. From day one, he gave that to the whole team, especially to me."
At 23, the attacking midfielder is years away from his peak, and to get there, it is important that he does not end up misunderstood, and that his talent is harnessed correctly.
How does De Zerbi build around Simons?
With a player like Simons in mind, the freedom aspect is so crucial to acknowledge.
De Zerbi certainly did this upon his arrival, and the difference in performance proved exactly why.
Handed a free role against Brighton, he would rack up 51 touches and 11 carried, after being trusted to provide the spark in the final third.
He wants a lot of the ball, because he wants to make things happen, highlighted by his 64.29 touches per 90 last season.
Things don't always come off, with a 42.4 per cent dribble success rate and 82.9 per cent for successful passes, but the point is that he is attempting things that others won't.
With a more disciplined and well-drilled system around him, he will only benefit as he has the time to play his game and make mistakes - an inevitability with a high energy player like Simons.
But thanks to this, goals and assists will only continue to flow, with 1.74 chances created per 90 pointing in a very strong direction ahead of next term.
The situation is simple, if Simons is given freedom, he will succeed as a Tottenham player.