‘Nothing at all’ – Tottenham’s Xavi Simons becomes latest victim of Van der Vaart criticism
Former Tottenham Hotspur Dutch midfielder Rafael van de Vaart has now openly criticised Xavi Simons’ form at Spurs this season.
It has been a difficult season for Tottenham Hotspur, whose struggles have left them in a full-on relegation scrap.
Several players who should be performing at a higher level have looked poor this campaign, making individual mistakes that have proved costly.
In fact, for many fans, the standout performer of the season so far has not been a senior player, with Archie Gray receiving most of the plaudits.
Tottenham star Xavi Simons criticised by Rafael van der Vaart
Rafael van der Vaart has now openly criticised Tottenham’s summer signing Xavi Simons, who has struggled to leave his mark on this Spurs side.
As reported by De Telegraaf, Van der Vaart was speaking on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo, where he questioned Simons’ performances and admitted he expected far more from the 22-year-old.
“He disappoints me,” he said. “I had expected much more from him. He wants so badly to show how good he is. That has the opposite effect.
“He was the young talent, and everyone was talking about him. He is still playing a bit like that.”
Spurs performances leave doubts over Xavi Simons impact
Simons has not been entirely poor and has shown his quality in games this season. One of his better performances came in the Champions League last-16 second leg tie against Atletico Madrid, where he ran the show and grabbed a brace.
However, so far this campaign, he has managed four goals and five assists in 38 games – well short of the 22 goals and 11 assists in 48 games for PSV, and the 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 games for RB Leipzig.
Van der Vaart, speaking via De Telegraaf, admitted he cannot understand the drop-off in form at Tottenham, referencing Simons’ previous spells in Germany and the Netherlands.
“At Leipzig he really had a good spell. Tottenham is nothing at all. After PSV, he also showed it in the Bundesliga,” he added.
Van der Vaart is not the only one unsure about Xavi Simons. Dutch icon Ruud Gullit has also been watching and has been left with questions as a result.
Speaking about the midfielder’s potential, Gullit suggested there is still uncertainty over his true level.
“He is hyped. I still do not really know how good he could be,” he concluded.
The post ‘Nothing at all’ – Tottenham’s Xavi Simons becomes latest victim of Van der Vaart criticism appeared first on Spurs Web.