De Zerbi could unleash Spurs’ new Dele Alli to replace Xavi Simmons

And just like that, Xavi Simmons’ first appearance for Tottenham Hotspur went out in flames – and with it, his World Cup dreams with the Netherlands.

It’s a brutal end to a season for the Dutch playmaker, who joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig for £52m last summer carrying a crushing weight of expectations. It’s been a tough season, with Roberto De Zerbi’s side having to pull themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone without him.

This is a snapshot of Londoners’ serious fitness problems. Tottenham have been plagued by injuries in recent years, which has been at the heart of their decline.

Tottenham have lacked creativity this season, and Simmons’ injury has only made that worse. How can they cope with the Dutchman’s absence not only for next month but potentially for the rest of 2026?

How Spurs can replace Xavi Simmons

Simmons hasn’t had a great season by any means, but he is a creative player and Tottenham need all the creativity they can scramble up as a team right now.

De Zerbi was in charge of one of the least effective attacking lines in the Premier League. Perhaps Spurs have gathered a bit of fluency in recent weeks, but they need more.

Simmons has topped the Spurs’ assist charts this season. He assisted five goals in the Premier League and created seven big chances, more than any of his colleagues. Tottenham’s playmaking issues are structural, and Simmons has the potential to play a central role.

James Madison and Dejan Kulusevski missed the season due to injuries. Maddison is fit again and is expected to play a role in the remaining weeks, while his Swedish partner is absent, having last played in April 2025.

However, Tottenham don’t just have to worry about replacing Simmons in the next few games. The Lilywhites will still be without De Zerbi as manager for many months, but with Maddison and Kulusevski unreliable in terms of fitness levels, De Zerbi may be more inclined to break into the academy.

Spurs’ new Dele Alli could replace Simmons

Tottenham could use a player like Dele Alli at his best right now. Unfortunately, Dele’s heyday in crisp Tottenham white is long gone.

However, it may be wise for De Zerbi and others to make better use of one of the best academy systems in the world, with the likes of Luca Williams-Barnett on the line.

The 17-year-old has yet to establish himself as a household name, but he is skilful and tenacious, showing great talent in either wide or central attacking positions and undoubtedly impressing youth coaches.

In fact, journalist Seann Walsh said there was a “shade of Dele” in the youngster, a prolific talent and natural game-changer. This season, he had 16 goals and eight assists in 19 games for the development team.

Spurs could be thrust back into the spotlight with a talent like Dele, and Williams-Barnett is still a nascent player on the major stage, but one shot could be enough to prove his worth.

The jump from youth football to the senior stage is important, but he has the ability to develop. Sadly, he’s currently out since February with an injury and hasn’t been able to make an impact, but Simmons won’t be back on the grass for long and could fill that void next year.

Whether that happens in the Premier League or the Championship remains to be seen, but Williams-Barnett can’t be ruled out.

A dynamic and versatile attacker, he came on the bench when Tottenham beat Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, and his repeated appearances on the bench in the Premier League and Champions League underline the respect that a number of coaches have shown him over the years.

Williams-Barnett, described by football scout Jacek Krig as “one of England’s most exciting talents”, may not be able to make an impact on Tottenham’s future in key terms, but he certainly has the potential to emerge next year in a Dele-esque style.