Three ways Tottenham can line up with Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani | OneFootball

Spurs’ forward line was transformed in the final week of the summer

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The Frenchman has signed on a season-long loan deal from Paris Saint-Germain and provides some much-needed cover in forward areas, amid uncertainty over the severity of Dominic Solanke’s ankle injury.

Kolo Muani’s arrival came two days after Xavi Simons was presented to Spurs fans on the pitch in north London.

His move from RB Leipzig for just under £52million is a hugely exciting one and should address the lack of creativity in the Spurs midfield in the absence of the injured Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Here, Standard Sport looks at three ways Spurs could line up with their two newest recruits...

Late arrival: Randal Kolo Muani

SPURSPLAY

Kolo Muani alongside Simons

Saturday’s defeat to Bournemouth was a clear reminder of one of Spurs’ shortcomings - creating chances when dominating the ball.

They had more than 60 per cent of possession against the Cherries but offered very little in attack and were deservedly beaten.

Simons’ introduction in the No10 role should make a big difference, providing the creative spark in the final third and the ability to open up a defence.

In games where Spurs will dominate the ball and Frank wants an extra attacker, Kolo Muani is capable of playing out wide and would prove more of a threat than the current options on the left wing.

That would allow Richarlison to keep his place up front, with the Brazilian having been in superb form early in the season.

Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Van de Ven, Romero; Spence; Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Simons, Kolo Muani; Richarlison

Answering the call: Xavi Simons

SPURSPLAY

Simons moved wide onto left wing

Against the toughest opposition, Frank has so far turned to a three-man midfield of Rodrigo Bentancur, Joao Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr.

The three work relentlessly hard off the ball and in the win over Manchester City caused Pep Guardiola’s side huge problems with their pressing.

Particularly away from home, Frank could opt to stick with that strong foundation and still add Simons and Kolo Muani into the mix.

Frank has already spoken about Simons’ ability to play off the left wing and he could do so at times this season, while having the license to still roam inside.

Kolo Muani, meanwhile, would then move up front to lead the line, as is his preferred position.

Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Van de Ven, Romero; Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Sarr, Simons; Kolo Muani

Introduction: Xavi Simons

SPURSPLAY

Simons goes deep as Kolo Muani leads line

There are also going to be games where Frank shifts to a 3-5-2 shape, as he did against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup.

In those instances, Simons could drop into a slightly deeper No8 role and play as the most advanced of the three midfielders, while having the protection of Palhinha and Bentancur, as well as the back three, behind him.

That would give him the freedom to get forward and support the front two and add more of a threat to what can otherwise becoming a fairly stodgy set-up.

Simons would combine and rotate with the second striker, potentially Mohammed Kudus, and the tendency for both to drift out wide would leave defences with plenty of problems to solve.

Kolo Muani would be the most advanced forward, holding the ball up and bringing the likes of Simons and Kudus into play.

Tottenham XI (3-5-2): Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Palhinha, Bentancur, Simons, Spence; Kudus, Kolo Muani