How Tottenham Can Support Xavi Simons in Boosting Creativity
Tottenham Hotspur is experiencing a challenging season under manager Thomas Frank, who has made notable improvements to the team’s structure. However, creativity remains a significant concern. The club’s current performance showcases a lack of imagination in open play, which is crucial for success in high-stakes matches.
Low Creativity and High Expectations
The recent home defeat against Aston Villa highlighted Spurs’ struggles. Despite being well-organized and physically competitive, they faced criticism from fans due to a lack of offensive creativity. Tottenham’s performance, particularly in generating chances from open play, has placed them in 12th position for expected goals (xG) in the Premier League.
- Position for expected goals (xG) from open play: 12th
- Position for big chances created: 15th
- Position for goals scored: 4th
- Shot conversion rate: 1st
From these statistics, it’s evident that Tottenham’s finishing has outperformed their chance creation, leaving questions about sustainability without key players like Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
Xavi Simons: The Key to Boosting Creativity
Xavi Simons, signed for €60 million during the summer transfer window, has been underutilized, particularly in recent matches. His isolation on the field against Villa is a stark example of the team’s inability to link up play effectively. Creating opportunities to involve Simons is essential for enhancing Tottenham’s offensive dynamics.
Simons is best suited to operate in areas where he can make impactful plays. However, Tottenham’s reliance on long balls and set pieces has limited his contributions. A lack of effective passing from deeper midfield areas has meant fewer chances to utilize his playmaking skills.
Challenges in Midfield
The absence of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski due to injuries has compounded Tottenham’s creative issues. Maddison was central to ball progression last season, and his injury has left a significant gap. Simons needs better support from midfield to thrive and influence games positively.
- Maddison’s role: Key playmaker
- Kulusevski’s absence: Further strain on creativity
Simons’ potential remains untapped without higher-risk passing strategies that prioritize moving the ball forward rather than sideways. Manager Thomas Frank acknowledges the need for more forward-thinking plays, emphasizing the importance of having players capable of breaking down defensive lines.
Looking Ahead: Maximizing Simons’ Impact
To unlock the full potential of Xavi Simons, Tottenham must adopt a more dynamic approach to their attacking play. This includes utilizing deeper-lying players to deliver incisive passes, enabling Simons to receive the ball in dangerous positions. High-risk but high-reward passing could help bridge the gap in creativity and enhance their overall performance moving forward.
As Tottenham continues to refine its strategies, fans will be eager to see how these adjustments can lead to improved offensive cohesion and help the team compete at higher levels.
