James Maddison reveals exactly what Xavi Simons is doing behind-the-scenes at Tottenham
Xavi Simons’ Tottenham career burst into life against Brentford and James Maddison has revealed what sparked the Dutchman’s superb performance.
Simons scored the second goal of the afternoon as Spurs cruised to a 2-0 win over Keith Andrews’ side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Richarlison had opened the scoring for Thomas Frank’s side, with Simons providing the assist, before the former RB Leipzig man cut through the Brentford defence and finished beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.
The result leaves Tottenham 11th in the Premier League table, but the North London side are just four points adrift of fourth-placed Crystal Palace.
Xavi Simons has been ‘working hard’ for Tottenham success
Simons has had a mixed start to life at Tottenham, but the 22-year-old now has the chance to really kick on after taking early criticism.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, James Maddison was full of praise for his new teammate and also revealed just how much effort the attacker was putting in behind the scenes.
He said: “There’s no doubting Xavi’s quality and I’m really happy for him because he’s been working so hard, not just expecting it all to happen for him, he’s training hard, working hard, and doing the hard yards for the team.”
Maddison is currently out with an ACL injury, but the former Leicester City man is clearly delighted for the Dutch international.
After scoring his first Tottenham goal, Simons posted a photo of his celebration on Instagram, with the caption: “Trust the process. COYS.”
Maddison was quick to show the midfielder some love, commenting: “They’ll come like buses now, son.”
Xavi Simons’ hard work now paying off for Tottenham
Simons’ performance against Brentford was the first sign that his hard work behind the scenes is now paying off.
Frank utilised the young star in the number ten role, and Simons flourished, having four shots and maintaining an 84 per cent pass accuracy across the 90 minutes.
With only one unsuccessful touch out of a mammoth 60 in the game, it is clear that he is ready to explode after getting used to the new physicality and speed of the Premier League.
| Stats | Xavi Simons vs Brentford |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Shots (On Target) | 4 (2) |
| Passes | 36/43 (84%) |
| Recoveries | 7 |
However, he also showed another side to his game, putting in the effort off the ball to help his side secure a much-needed three points.
Simons made seven recoveries in total against the Bees, and that defensive work will not go unnoticed by the Tottenham fans.
The Premier League has been warned, Spurs’ new star has finally arrived.
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