Frank says he has ‘no doubts’ Spurs summer signing will start to shine

Thomas Frank says he has no doubts that summer signing Xavi Simons will shine for Spurs.

The attacker joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig this summer for £52m but is still finding his way in the Premier League.

But the Spurs boss believes Simons can make a big difference for his team, given time.

“I think it’s probably too much to put everything on Xavi, in terms of when he’s clicking, then the team is just free flowing,” Frank stressed/

“I think when this team, and you know, it’s always a challenge to go too far back, but when it was clicking quite well the last two seasons, it definitely involved most likely Maddison, Kulusevski, Son at the same time.

“Dom (Solanke) came to the club last year, first year, so those three on the pitch at the same time gave the team a lift. So that’s why he cannot only be on one player, in my opinion, it needs to be on three to four to get the team clicking.

“But I also understand there’s some players that need to add more to get the team free flowing, and in that case, Xavi is definitely one of the players that needs to do that. 

“I think he’s taking steps forward, I think that the game against Newcastle, I think he found some good positions, I think he had some good actions. He’s getting into the right areas, and now it’s just the last decisive pass, action that can make the difference.

“I think his fitness is growing, his intensity is growing. He’s come to a country where he needs to train with high intensity. 

“It’s a league that’s playing with high intensity, and I’m asking him to work harder. That’s three things to take. Then he comes into a team where we are finding our way together. That’s also taking a bit of time, and then he’s just coming to a new country.

“Even though he’s quite experienced, 22 years old, he’s still coming into a new country, I think it’s very normal. But the big thing is, yes, I’m sitting down with him. Yes, I’m evaluating. And yes, I think he’s taking steps forward.”

Frank also urged patience with the youngster and insists he has had a lot of adapting to do.

“Yes, no doubt about that,” he responded when asked if he will improve. “Not in doubt that Xavi will perform very well for us. And that is, as I said, it’s down to him, to me, to the team, to everyone to get it done. And I think the one thing you don’t have in football is time, but it will take time. 

“It’s completely natural. I think sometimes you can’t talk about processes and time and all that, but the reality is you need it. Everyone needs it. So, yes, I’m confident, I’m sure it will happen.”