(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
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Thomas Frank to frustrate Tottenham fans with Xavi Simons decision vs Brighton

Alex Charlton
Alex Charlton

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

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Xavi Simons was a statement signing towards the end of the summer transfer window for Tottenham.

The Lilywhites were desperate to land a creative midfielder and finally got their man in the Netherlands international.

Simons wowed Spurs supporters during his Premier League debut against West Ham and delivered an important assist.

However, Thomas Frank is set to annoy the Tottenham faithful with a call he could make against Brighton.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank glances to his left with a stern expression on his face.
(Credit: Imago)

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

Thomas Frank to play Xavi Simons on the left vs Brighton

Tottenham were warned about Simons' attitude when he arrived in North London, but he has been all smiles so far.

Indeed, Simons delivered a promising display for Spurs against West Ham and exceeded his expected output at the London Stadium, according to Sofascore.

  • Expected goals (xg): 0.03
  • Expected assists (xA): 0.08
  • Key passes: 1

However, large parts of supporters have called for Frank to deploy the Netherlands international in a central role.

Despite their demands, Lilywhite Rose owner Wenham - speaking exclusively to Tottenham News - believes Simons will continue to play out wide.

“I think Frank’s just trying out a few different things in the squad,” Wenham said.

“Obviously, Simons can play on the left and was pretty good against West Ham, got the assist for the first goal from a fantastic corner. He's never played in the English league before, and we will take a few games to get up to speed, but I think it's a promising start.

“Frank is probably just assessing the different options at the moment. I think against Brighton, Simons will probably start again coming from the left-hand side.”

Xavi Simons smiling as he reports to the Netherlands for international duty
(credit: imago)

Why are Tottenham fans calling for Xavi Simons to play centrally?

Given how productive Simons was on the left, some might argue that Frank's decision to play him out wide paid off.

However, given his creativity and vision, there are suggestions that the 22-year-old would be better suited in the middle of the park.

Indeed, the Dutchman has been utilised more centrally throughout his career and possesses better numbers in that position.

  • 36 goal contributions in 61 appearances from the left
  • 38 goal contributions in 48 appearances from central attacking-midfield

Also, the fact that Simons was signed to fill the void left by James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski begs the question of why he has played out wide.

Of course, Frank is experimenting with his players and will figure out his best team in due course, but he may well continue to irritate supporters.

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Xavi Simons
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