Xavi Simons has opened up about his recent move to Tottenham Hotspur, sharing his excitement about joining the Premier League and shedding light on the factors that influenced his decision. The Dutch international, who has now returned home for the September international break, has been named in Ronald Koeman’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Lithuania.
Simons only completed his switch to Spurs last week, with the North London club acting decisively to finalise the deal in a matter of days. Tottenham had been in the market all summer for a creative midfielder to help fill the void left by injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, and after failed pursuits of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, the 22-year-old emerged as their marquee signing.
Simons’ Preferred Role in Tottenham’s System
Although Simons has demonstrated his versatility across different attacking positions, he made it clear where he sees himself fitting best under Thomas Frank at Spurs. Speaking to AD Sportwereld, the Dutchman revealed:
> “I prefer playing at number ten, you know that.”
Last season with RB Leipzig, Simons was regularly deployed on the left wing but still managed 15 appearances in the central playmaking role. For the Netherlands, Koeman has experimented with him on the right side of the attack, further underlining his adaptability. However, for Tottenham, the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona academy product has his sights set firmly on being the creative heartbeat in the No.10 position.
For Tottenham supporters, this is welcome news. The club has been searching for a consistent attacking midfielder to replace Maddison’s influence since his long-term injury, and Simons’ arrival could finally provide the spark Spurs have lacked in that area of the pitch.
Why Simons Chose Tottenham
While Tottenham’s ambition and the lure of Premier League football were major factors, Simons admitted there were more personal reasons behind his decision. Spurs defender Micky van de Ven, his compatriot and international teammate, played an influential role in convincing him to sign.
“Micky van de Ven already said, ‘We need you, so come here.’ And that’s what happened,” Simons explained.
But it wasn’t just Van de Ven’s persuasion. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium itself, renowned as one of the most modern and impressive arenas in world football, left a lasting impression on Simons and his family. Surprisingly, his younger sister – who is just 11 years old and not particularly interested in football – was captivated by the ground.
“My sister is 11; she’s more focused on other things than football, but she really loved Spurs’ stadium,” Simons said with a smile.
Looking Ahead
Now that the transfer saga is behind him, Simons is eager to get started in North London. His focus is on adapting quickly to the Premier League and showcasing his talent against some of the world’s best players.
“I’m looking forward to playing against the best players in the world in that stadium,” he added.
Tottenham fans will be equally eager to see their new No.10 in action, as Simons prepares to bring his creativity, flair, and vision to Thomas Frank’s attacking setup. For a player who has already impressed in the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and at international level, the Premier League represents the next big challenge – and Simons appears ready to embrace it.
