Xavi Simons opens up on his best position after Tottenham debut at left-wing

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Following a debut display off the left against Tottenham Hotspur’s London rivals, West Ham United, Xavi Simons has now revealed his best position.

As debuts go, Xavi Simons would have every reason to be proud of his first competitive outing in English football, with the £51m signing immediately making an impact by providing the assist for Tottenham’s opening goal in their derby against West Ham United.

The Dutch international had not played club football for over a month, and although it took him some time to find his rhythm on the ball, he gradually grew into the contest and began to influence the attacking play more as the game went on.

Simons was signed primarily as a number ten, yet his versatility allows him to feature on the left wing as well, and it was from this position that Thomas Frank opted to use the 22-year-old, with Lucas Bergvall operating further up the pitch.

Xavi Simons on his best position after Tottenham debut

Reflecting on his first taste of Premier League football, Simons spoke to Sky Sports after the match and was asked directly where he sees himself playing his best football.

The midfielder revealed that while he has spent most of his career playing as a number ten, he has also embraced another position in recent years.

He said: “I have played my whole life in the number 10 position, but in the last two years I have developed on the left side. I want to help the team with goals and assists. We know set-pieces were so important. I found Pape from the corner and it was a nice goal.”

Simons focus turns to adaptation and Champions League test

With the nerves of his Tottenham debut now behind him, Xavi Simons also stressed that his immediate focus is on adapting to life in north London and building stronger relationships with his teammates on and off the pitch.

He continued: “I am really happy with the win, and making my debut in the Premier League is such a special moment.

“It has always been a dream of mine to play on the biggest stage in the best league in the world. I am with a magnificent team.

“Even teams who are struggling in the table have top players. Even West Ham today have top players. I am trying to adapt as quickly as possible.

“Some of the guys have been with the national team. We have tried to talk a lot on the pitch. The games are coming so we have to adapt quickly to certain situations. In three days, we have another game in the Champions League.”