What Mauricio Pochettino said about Xavi Simons four years before Tottenham transfer

Mauricio Pochettino managed Xavi Simons for a short period at PSG and he has already delivered his verdict on Tottenham Hotspur’s new signing.

Tottenham Hotspur played the long game when it came to signing an attacking midfielder. A deal had supposedly been agreed to bring Morgan Gibbs-White to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, Spurs missed out on Gibbs-White as he signed a new contract at Nottingham Forest.

Next came Eberchi Eze, another player who was reportedly on the verge of moving to Tottenham. As the negotiations neared an end, there came the report that Spurs lost out on Eze to Arsenal.

Tottenham then turned their attention to Xavi Simons, despite suggestions a couple of weeks before which stated Spurs were set to miss out on Simons. Thanks to Chelsea changing their priorities, Simons completed a successful move to North London and he will make his first appearance after the international break.

Mauricio Pochettino claimed Xavi Simons had ‘very good potential’

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino gave Simons 11 appearances when he was in charge of PSG, despite the Dutchman being just 17 years old at the time.

Pochettino was complimentary about Simons, although he did reveal what he believes to be the midfielder’s ceiling by stating which players he would never be as good as.

Pochettino told Sport: “He won’t be Iniesta or Xavi, but he has the quality and balance to be able to develop a career in the first division. He’s still very young, but he has very good potential.

“Simons is training very well, he has character, he doesn’t get nervous, and he reads the game well.”

Xavi Simons is guaranteed game time at Tottenham

Simons may only have been given a handful of matches under Pochettino, but he is far more proven and experienced now. Spurs had a major attacking midfield shortage on their hands before signing him, so he is guaranteed plenty of starts.

Even after the conclusion of the summer transfer window, Spurs have been unable to resolve their left wing problems. This could mean that Simons is called on to play out wide too.

Regardless of the position he plays, Simons will be tested this season as he will be selected week-in, week-out. 

READ MORE – Should Tottenham fans be worried about Xavi Simons’ injury record?