Thomas Frank explains what he absolutely loved about Xavi Simons’ ‘promising’ Tottenham debut

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank was impressed with Xavi Simons’ debut against West Ham United on Saturday.

Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani were both available, but only the former went on to play.

In the end, Frank made the correct decision starting Simons, with the attacking midfielder really impressing in his side’s 3-0 victory.

It was Simons who set up Tottenham‘s opening goal after his corner found the head of Pape Matar Sarr.

• READ MORE: Matthew Upson drops honest Xavi Simons verdict after watching Tottenham’s win over West Ham

Thomas Frank loved Xavi Simons’ forward passes

Simons’ assist was not the only thing that impressed Frank. The Tottenham manager loved the 22-year-old’s overall play and his desire to pass the ball forward.

Speaking about Simons’ performance on Tottenham’s Review Show, Frank said: “That’s a promising debut. I like what I saw from him, he took the initiative on the ball, something happened when he took it, he looked forward, he played forward. It was a fantastic assist, so pleased with that, that was promising.”

As well as Simons, central defender Micky van de Ven also had a solid game, helping Spurs to keep a clean sheet while also scoring a goal for them.

Frank joked about Van de Ven’s goal after substituting the 24-year-old during the Premier League encounter, explaining to reporters that he wants his centre-back to score with his head.

Simons will be hoping that his first Tottenham goal comes on Tuesday when Frank’s side take on Villarreal in the Champions League.

What Thomas Frank has said about Tottenham’s opener against West Ham

Understandably, Frank also had to give credit to the man who met Simons’ corner for Spurs’ first goal: Sarr.

“It was a fantastic header, a fantastic ball from Xavi Simons,” the former Brentford boss said. “Pape has been very good this season, very impressed with him. He just goes from strength to strength. He just needs to keep going.”

It was a really good day for Tottenham’s midfield, with Lucas Bergvall also managing to get his name on the scoresheet.

Like Sarr, the 19-year-old scored with a brilliant header. During the international break, Bergvall was asked if Frank trusts him.

Appearing in all of the Europa League winners’ games this season so far, including the UEFA Super Cup final, he clearly does.

Tottenham already had a team with several gifted young players, such as Bergvall. They have now added to it with Simons. All in all, they could be on course to have a good season based on how they have started the campaign.