Xavi Simons to leave Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison in fear of Tottenham futures
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Jack Heath
Wed 3 September 2025 15:14, UK
Xavi Simons could nail down the number 10 spot at Tottenham to the point James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski won’t get a look in upon return from their injuries.
The flying Dutchman had been pursued by Chelsea for the large bulk of the summer transfer window yet eventually ended up joining their London rivals.
Tottenham hijacked Chelsea’s move for Simons which delighted Spurs fans as they finally found the crucial remaining piece of Thomas Frank‘s midfield puzzle.
Brought in to cover the injuries of Maddison and Kulusevski in the number 10 position, there is now a chance the former RB Leipzig maestro could usurp the pair completely, even after they return from injury.
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Looking at data from FBRef based on the 2024-25 season in all domestic competitions, the 22-year-old has some outstanding numbers which can back up his claim to be Frank’s dependable prime attacking-midfielder moving forward.
The Netherlands international’s attacking threat is eye-catching, notching 0.41 goals per-90 compared to the Swede’s 0.28 and the Englishman’s 0.40, offering another source of goals for the Danish manager.
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Moreover, his higher rate of goals is supported by his shot accumulation, averaging 2.09 per-90 which is better than Maddison in second place with 1.88.
Selected statistics 2024-25 domestic competitionsXavi SimonsDejan KulusevskiJames MaddisonAppearances283934Goals1199Assists787Shots on target %44.6%39.3%42.5%Passes into penalty area per-902.511.951.59(Source: FBRef)
This is also backed by a superior shots on target percentage, narrowly surpassing the former Leicester magician’s 42.5% with 44.6%.
As well as shooting, Simons offers killer passes into the penalty area that are unrivalled, averaging 2.51 per-90 with Kulusevski only offering 1.95 per-90, demonstrating another key route for Frank to utilise in the attacking third.
The former Brentford boss also requires intense all-round pressing and a high work rate to operate in his team with the Dutchman recovering the ball 5.36 times per-90, far greater than Maddison in third with 3.78.
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Considering all the numbers and the multi-faceted ways the ex-PSV creator can provide a vital outlet for attacking ferocity, Simons definitely has what it takes to become a fan favourite at the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium.
The 22-year-old’s experience of playing in France, the Netherlands and Germany is invaluable and should give him a strong chance to quickly adapt to the Premier League.
His raw technical ability will certainly trouble both the Swede and the Englishman who will be sweating over their futures in the Spurs starting XI.
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It would be highly unlikely if either of the midfield maestros return before the turn of the year, giving the former PSG man an open opportunity to hold down the number 10 role.
Following the culmination of the international break, the Lilywhites take on West Ham at the London Stadium in what should be Simons first taste of English top-flight action.
Kulusevski and Maddison will be watching on in fear that the number seven will burst onto the scene and steal the critical Tottenham attacking role out from underneath them.