TalkSPORT reports that Tottenham star Xavi Simmons has quickly endeared himself to supporters with his personal decision to forgo his granted leave and remain at the training ground, demonstrating his dedication.
After a demoralizing 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle last week, the team were surprisingly given five days off, which ultimately cost manager Thomas Frank his job.
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But while some of his team-mates were getting a chance to recharge in the sunshine, Simmons was said to be putting in grueling extra time at Hotspur Way.
What is his focus? He will make sure he is in top physical and tactical form ahead of this Sunday’s high-stakes North London derby against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Xavi Simmons skips holiday to prepare for North London derby
Simmons’ dedication comes at a key moment as interim head coach Igor Tudor takes the reins.
Former Juventus boss Tudor, who was appointed earlier this week, is known for demanding high intensity and tactical discipline, a trait Simons is clearly keen to demonstrate.
The 22-year-old midfielder sacrificed his rest period to send a clear message to his new coaching staff.
Tottenham sit in 16th place, just five points above the relegation zone, but Simmons seems determined to lead by example.
Unlocking Simmons’ true potential would be huge for Spurs
Maximizing the potential of Xavi Simons is one of Igor Tudor’s most important tasks.
Despite the club’s struggles, Simmons has been a rare bright spot this season, most recently topping the Premier League’s passing statistics with a defense-slicing pass in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
Although he has yet to reproduce the form he had at RB Leipzig, he remains one of the most highly regarded young players in Europe.
There’s a reason why top clubs like Liverpool were interested in signing him in the summer, with Chelsea also trying to sign him before Spurs ultimately snatched the deal.
| club/team | Appearance | the goal | assist |
|---|---|---|---|
| RB Leipzig | 78 | twenty two | twenty four |
| PSV Eindhoven | 48 | twenty two | 11 |
| tottenham hotspur | 31 | 2 | 5 |
| Paris Saint-Germain U19 | 29 | 16 | 14 |
| Paris Saint-Germain UEFA U19 | 12 | 5 | 6 |
| paris saint germain | 11 | 0 | 1 |
Xavi Simons’ various club stats (via Transfermarkt)
The Dutch playmaker has the vision and creative flair to dismantle any defense, but under Thomas Frank he often looked isolated in a stuttering system.
If Tudor can create a framework for Simmons to thrive as a creative center, Spurs could have what they need to derail Arsenal’s title bid and climb out of the drop zone.
For fans, seeing their star man running single-mindedly while other players are resting is the perfect energy to get the atmosphere going on derby day.
