While Tottenham fans focus on a relegation battle and complete disaster, it seems Xavi Simons’ focus has some joy on the horizon. He’s eyeing World Cup glory.
Soccer News cover comments from the 22-year-old today. He’s been speaking to Matchday in the Netherlands. And it seems he has big plans for the World Cup this summer.
The Tottenham midfielder is likely to be a part of Ronald Koeman’s plans for the tournament, having featured regularly under him during qualifying. He was a key figure as the Netherlands finished first in Group G.
That saw him scoring two goals and one assist during qualifying, scoring the third goal in a crucial 4-0 win against Lithuania back in November. That officially booked their place at the World Cup.
A key player for Koeman
The Tottenham star is a mainstay of Koeman’s squad following his strong performances at Euro 2024. His struggles at Tottenham this season following his summer move have not impacted his place as yet.
They will head to the tournament looking to continue a strong run of form at recent tournament. They’ve reached the quarter finals in every tournament they’ve qualified for in the 21st century. Simons, though, has grander plans than that.
“Hopefully, we can achieve something great,” he said.
“When you play in a tournament like this, you can simply win; that’s the goal. With the team we have, it’s incredible.
“A lot of crazy things happen at World Cups, but the goal is always to win, and that’s what we have to focus on. It’s a very good group, a mix of emerging youth players and leaders like Virgil (van Dijk) and Frenkie (de Jong). That will also help us.”
Tottenham struggles
The question is what sort of mental state Simons will be in when he actually makes it to the tournament. It’s fair to say his first season at Tottenham has not been an easy one.
Four goals and six assists in 35 games is not a terrible return by any means, but he’s certainly not had the impact Spurs were looking for when they signed him from RB Leipzig in the summer. Rather than pushing them on, he’s been a part of a disastrous campaign so far.
Defeat to Crystal Palace on Thursday evening left them just one point above the relegation zone with nine games remaining. They need someone like Simons to step up.
