Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara has launched a stinging critique of Xavi Simons' performances, as a growing number of Spurs supporters demand the playmaker be handed a starting role against Newcastle United tonight.
Frustration Mounts Over Simons' Limited Minutes
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank continues to limit the playing time of summer signing Xavi Simons, despite the club's £51.8 million investment to secure him from RB Leipzig. The 22-year-old Dutch international has made 17 appearances for Spurs since his move, registering two assists, but has been named in the starting line-up on just seven occasions in the Premier League.
This cautious approach has sparked significant frustration among the fanbase, particularly as the team has struggled to create clear chances. Simons' prolific record at Leipzig – 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 games – has led many to question why he isn't being given a sustained run in the side to adapt and influence games.
Frank's Call for Patience Meets Fan Backlash
Speaking after a recent defeat to Fulham, Thomas Frank explained his reasoning, stating Simons "needs a bit of adaptation." The manager acknowledged the player's quality and training levels but emphasised that adjusting to the Premier League takes time, a common theme for many new arrivals.
This explanation has done little to placate exasperated supporters online. One fan argued online: "We can’t buy a win and there’s a clear lack of creativity in the final third - why not just play him?" Another labelled Frank's comments as "mind-blowing naivety," while a third simply begged the manager to "give him a chance to prove... he deserves to be in the team."
O'Hara's Blunt Assessment of Simons' Form
Adding to the debate, ex-Spurs player and pundit Jamie O'Hara delivered a frank assessment of Simons' contributions so far. Speaking on Sky Sports, O'Hara did not mince his words regarding the €60 million signing.
"You can’t keep playing him if he’s being poor though," O'Hara stated. "You can’t keep playing a player who keeps letting you down. I watched him last season at RB Leipzig and he looked sharp, he was good on the ball, he played with intent."
O'Hara contrasted that with what he has witnessed at Tottenham: "I’m watching him at Spurs, he’s playing tippy-tappy football, he’s doing little flicks and tricks, I’m thinking, get hold of the game. You’re playing for Tottenham. Get hold of it. Make something happen. Move the ball quick."
The pundit also suggested some of the team's issues may stem from the manager's instructions, questioning whether the players are clear on the tactical approach.
The pressure is now on Thomas Frank to decide whether to heed fan calls and start Simons against Newcastle United in tonight's crucial Premier League fixture, or to persist with his patient development plan for the highly-talented midfielder.
