‘I don’t know what Xavi Simons was trying to do here’ – Alan Shearer baffled by Tottenham star vs Leeds
Tottenham fans will not forget Xavi Simons’ performance against Leeds United anytime soon.
Thomas Frank’s deployment of Simons at the left wing has resulted in fierce criticism these past couple of weeks.
Simons, who signed for Tottenham from RB Leipzig over the summer, has struggled to hit his best form.
However, the Dane started the Dutchman in the 10 against Leeds, in a performance which has endured its fair share of criticism.
Alan Shearer baffled by Xavi Simons failed rabona pass
Frank was emotional when recounting Mathys Tel’s performance in a memorable Spurs win over Leeds United.
While Tel was a high point, a moment of madness from Simons stole the show on the day.
The Frenchman launched a perfectly weighted forward pass into the path of the Dutchman, who, in what can only be described as odd, attempted to curl a rabona pass to Wilson Odobert, which was intercepted.
The decision baffled Spurs supporters as well as Alan Shearer, who couldn’t wrap his head around it when speaking on the BBC’s Match of the Day on 4 October.
He said: “I dunno what Simons is trying to do here. It’s a simple pass with the left foot rather than the back flick, but I suppose the confidence is high.”
Other than that, Simons was an orchestrator on the pitch, involved in most of Spurs’ dangerous plays going forward and linking up with his teammates in the half spaces.
It just may be a couple of games before Tottenham fans can expect the young star to attempt a move like that again.
Xavi Simons put on his best performance in a Tottenham shirt
For the last couple of weeks, Simons has conceded his favoured position to Lucas Bergvall, who has been excellent for Tottenham.
However, if his performance against Leeds indicated anything, it’s that Frank should have put an end to this left-wing experiment two weeks ago.
According to Sofascore, Simons produced two key passes, but that statistic does not do justice to his creative genius on the pitch.
The 22-year-old bridged the gap between the midfield and attack, often carrying the ball into the final third and laying it off to a forward player in a favourable position.
- Simons completed 50 per cent of his dribble attempts
- He had a 90 per cent passing accuracy from 33 touches
- The Dutchman won two of his ground duels
For weeks, Frank has been criticised for Spurs’ production going forward.
However, after his best game in a Tottenham shirt, it is clear that Simons is the answer for the Lilywhites’ attacking woes.
His excellent link-up play, perfectly weighted pass and strong read of the game provide a creative zealous which most of Frank’s options simply do not have in their locker.
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