Xavi Simons can produce 'a little bit out of nothing' for Tottenham as Thomas Frank reacts to first loss

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·30. August 2025

Xavi Simons can produce 'a little bit out of nothing' for Tottenham as Thomas Frank reacts to first loss

Dutchman was not signed in time to make Spurs debut against Bournemouth

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Thomas Frank is confident Xavi Simons can be the difference maker for Tottenham after a frustrating defeat to Bournemouth.

Spurs were looking to make it three wins from three heading into the international break but instead fell to a 1-0 defeat in north London and were fortunate to only lose by a one-goal margin.

It brought a swift halt to the positivity that had been in the stadium ahead of kick-off when new signing Simons was presented to fans on the pitch.

The Dutchman then watched on from the stands as his new team-mates offered very little in attack, with Frank admitting Spurs were in need of a player to make “a little bit out of nothing”.

“I think he can bring on a day where I can say our structure building up and all that because it's not only about that, then sometimes you need a player that can do something (clicks his fingers) a little bit out of nothing,” Frank said.

“Go past the player, produce a cross, a shot, a pass, with that extra quality that you need on the day, and that's what I think he can bring.”

Spurs did not manage a single shot in the opening 45 minutes compared to ten for Bournemouth. The Cherries then forced Guglielmo Vicario into three smart saves early in the second half.

Xavi Simons completed his move to Tottenham on Friday

Getty Images

Frank accepted his side were below the necessary standards at both ends of the pitch, but is confident that the defensive struggles in particular will prove to be short-lived.

“It’s fair to say we didn’t defend as well as we should do and we have done in the first three games,” Frank said.

“That I am quite confident we will come back to defend well again but that could have helped massively.

“The creativity, yes, that’s why we signed Simons to have an extra offensive player but I also think on the day with all due respect to our offensive players none of them hit a high level and that happens sometimes.

“I’m very aware. I don’t want to say it’s okay but it’s natural.”