Tribal Football

Frank defends Xavi Simons' poor form: I'm not in doubt that Xavi will be good for us!

Frank defends Xavi Simons' poor form: I'm not in doubt that Xavi will be good for us!
Frank defends Xavi Simons' poor form: I'm not in doubt that Xavi will be good for us!Tottenham X

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has defended Xavi Simons after a run of poor form.

The attacking midfielder has not hit the ground running after his summer move from RB Leipzig, much to the disappointment of Spurs fans who are waiting to see what he can bring to the side under Frank

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Tottenham Hotspur suffered a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in North London yesterday, and Simons acted as a scapegoat for many supporters who expected more from the young Dutchman. 

Frank has since defended the 22-year-old, who he says is still adapting to life in England after making the move from the Bundesliga. 

"I like Xavi's personality today, especially in the first half. I think he wanted to get on the ball, he wanted to create. I think he was very aggressive in the pressure. I think it was a fine game. 

"I think I need to remember it myself when we judge players, and they come into a new club, a new country. I know it's part of football, (but) we judge them with a very small sample of games. 

"I'm not in doubt that Xavi will be good for us. Today was an average-plus game." 

It is the third game in a row that Spurs have dropped points at home in what is a dire spell for Frank. Simons has not scored for the club and his only assist came on debut as fans continue to attack the youngster who is having a tough time as of late. 

Simons lost both of his aerial and seven of his 12 ground duels. He also lost possession five times and was dribbled past three times, committing three fouls. He must improve soon or he may find himself watching from the bench under Frank, whose patience may begin to run thin. 

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