Tottenham Hotspur briefly took the lead against Aston Villa at the weekend, but Thomas Frank’s clear thrust after a fast start is a really exciting addition.
But with Unai Emery’s Villa gaining momentum, Spurs were unable to capitalize on their early advantage and left the Premier League with the spoils. Tottenham’s home situation continues to be dire.
The deep creative problems that the Lilywhites are currently struggling to eradicate are clear. However, with James Madison and Dejan Kulusevski working hard to return from long-term injuries, there is plenty of room for optimism.
Premier League 25/26 – xG Leaders | ||
|---|---|---|
team | Number of points scored | xG total |
(1) Crystal Palace | 12 | 17.1 |
(2)Man United | 11 | 14.9 |
(3) Man City | 17 | 14.4 |
(4) Arsenal | 15 | 13.6 |
(5) Liverpool | 14 | 13.6 |
(14) Tottenham | 14 | 8.3 |
Data via FBref | ||
It’s true that these midfielders are the star playmakers in north London, but Xavi Simmons was signed as a difference-maker but has so far failed to inspire.
Xavi Simmons’ career with Spurs so far
Simmons, 22, joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig this summer for around £51 million. The Dutch international is considered one of the most talented players in his age group, scoring 22 goals and providing 24 assists in his two seasons in Germany.
However, competition has been tough in England, and although he has played eight games in a Tottenham shirt so far, Simmons is yet to open his account, registering one assist on his debut against West Ham United.
He is a tenacious little player who will need to adapt to the pace and rigors of the Premier League and find his footing from a creative standpoint.
There are also claims that Frank will use the former Barcelona youth star in a wider available spot, given that Simons’ starting place could be under threat in the coming months as the injured midfielder works hard to return.
However, Mikey Moore is currently on loan at Rangers, so there’s a good chance he could be usurped in the next few years.
Spurs teenager comes in to take Mikey Moore’s jersey number
Moore is only 18 but has already made 21 appearances for Tottenham’s first team, scoring one goal and providing two assists. Ange Postecoglou had a huge following, with scouts praising his “world class” potential.
Last season, the teenager garnered all sorts of praise after scoring his first senior goal for Tottenham against IF Elfsborg on their way to winning the Europa League.
Hailed as a promising “superstar” Journalist Fabrizio RomanoMoore’s dynamic approach to the game will serve him well as he continues to develop physically, and while he has struggled on loan at Rangers this season, it is more of a reflection of the sinking ship that is Ibrox, which has been in so much trouble this season.
The England Under-19s captain has scored seven goals in 13 games and thrives up front, but the left channel is ostensibly the position for which he is most naturally suited, and his incredible speed and ability to leave defenders in the dust makes him well-suited to the role.
And although he has yet to establish himself as a prolific force on the senior stage, Moore’s astonishing return to the development scene has caused quite a buzz around his name. In the Under-18 Premier League, for example, the diminutive forward scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists in just 22 appearances.
Mikey Moore – Club stats so far | ||
|---|---|---|
club/level | app | Goal (assist) |
Tottenham U18 | twenty four | 19(13) |
tottenham | twenty one | 1(2) |
rangers | 7 | 0 (1) |
tottenham u21 | 5 | 2(2) |
Tottenham U19 | 5 | 0 (0) |
Dates via Transfermarkt | ||
The fleet-footed talent is already in the top 16% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for assists per 90 this season, according to data provided by FBref, and this natural creativity is something Tottenham could clearly add to that ranks now, especially given Simmons’ flattery and deception.
Simmons is a hugely talented attacking midfielder who is sure to deliver positive results, but Moore is a unique talent who maintains the balance between entertaining, high-profile football and the intelligent, calculated approach needed to get through the campaign’s many tough moments.
Youth scout Jacek Kulig hails Moore as “one of the most talented players in Europe of his generation” and there is no doubt that Spurs will expect him to play a central role under Frank for years to come.
Last season, former Spurs manager Postecoglou said he was able to understand different aspects of multi-positional play while remaining prolific at youth level and was “very mature for a 17-year-old”.
Maddison even makes the rather bold claim that Moore is like Neymar when carrying the ball up the wing, artistic and elegant, yet in total control.
He will likely learn a thing or two about adversity this season as Rangers have won just one of their opening eight Premiership games and are struggling, around 13 points behind surprise league leaders Hearts.
Of course, there’s nothing to say that Simmons and Moore couldn’t work harmoniously in Tottenham’s attack, but as has already been acknowledged, Kulusevski and Maddison are currently recovering on the sidelines.
The success of the Swedish star at Spurs when he was shuffled into the creative center highlights the magnitude of the task ahead of Simmons, who was criticized by Football London for his “poor” performance against Aston Villa at the weekend, giving him a 5/10 match rating.
Overall, Frank is still off to a solid start as Tottenham manager, but some creases will have to be fixed and if Simmons continues to struggle in a creative role, Moore could return and find his way into the starting lineup.
He is already being hailed as a teenage talent with the potential to break onto the Premier League’s marquees and will soon be put to the test under Frank’s leadership.
