Xavi Simons has been receiving big praise from the Spanish media this morning following his Man of the Match performance in Spurs’ win over Atletico Madrid.
The Dutch attacker netted twice as Tottenham defeated Atletico 3-2; however, it was not enough to overturn the 5-2 deficit from the first leg.
Did Xavi Simons just produce his best Spurs performance so far vs Atletico?
The Spurs News gave Simons the Man of the Match award with a nine rating, as Archie Gray and Mathys Tel also scored high for Igor Tudor’s team.
But in Spain, the focus is on the display of former Barcelona academy product Simons, and much is being said about how he performed.
Spanish media hail Xavi Simons’ performance in Spurs’ win over Atletico Madrid
Spanish media believed that Xavi Simons is finally showing signs of why Tottenham paid the money to sign him in the summer.
The 22-year-old was a constant thorn in Atletico’s side in the Champions League, and their defence struggled to contain the attacker.
During the game, Simons managed the most touches, most passes in the final third, most duels won and most chances created.
Diario AS rated his performance three stars out of three and wrote: “This time, Xavi Simons truly became the player for whom the London club paid over 70 million in the summer.”
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Meanwhile, Simons was the only Spurs star to get a three-star rating from Marca, with Mathys Tel, Djed Spence and Guglielmo Vicario getting two.
After the match, Spanish journalist Pablo Montano wrote on social media: “Xavi Simons, ‘MVP’ vs Atletico Madrid, isn’t leaving happy. Logical, Tottenham has been knocked out of the UCL, but his performance deserves praise.
“Two goals and a masterclass from the Dutchman give Igor Tudor his first win and allow the Spurs fans to believe in salvation.”
Finally, El Pais were very impressed by Simons’ first goal, writing: “What a fantastic goal from Xavi Simons!
“Gray combines with the Dutchman, who receives the ball outside the box and scores one of the goals of the day – unstoppable!”
Igor Tudor was also impressed by Xavi Simons
Tudor was full of praise for Simons afterwards, admitting that he played very well in the number ten role for his team.
“I think Xavi was very good, happy for him, showed the talent, it was not easy to play there in the middle, where it’s always difficult, in the front, Mathys also, did good things,” Tudor told the media.
With no Dominic Solanke or Richarlison, Tudor switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allowed Simons to play in his more preferred number ten role.
Simons has not been fancied by Tudor so far, but his display against the Spanish side will have proved that he can be key in the final eight Premier League matches.
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