Xavi Simons
Tottenham Hotspur’s marquee summer signing, Micky van de Ven, has been pivotal in Spurs’ recent Premier League success. Van de Ven, who joined the club for £51.8 million, played a significant role in Tottenham’s first home league victory since the season’s opening day, assisting in the win against Brentford. This victory marked a potential turning point for the team as they navigate the challenges of the season.
Micky van de Ven said: “No, to be honest, he kept training hard. Of course, in the moments where he’s a bit down because he didn’t start, I’m there for him and I speak with him. Obviously, he didn’t start the last games but I know Xavi has the quality to create things for us. He can be really important for us, I know that. For you guys [the media], of course, it’s more difficult to see that, but I think he showed it today by himself as well. He delivered an unbelievable performance today and was really important for the team.”
Van de Ven’s comments highlight the camaraderie and support within the Tottenham squad, particularly towards Xavi Simons, who has faced challenges in securing a starting position. Despite these hurdles, Simons showcased his potential by scoring Tottenham’s second goal against Brentford, a testament to his perseverance and skill.
The recent performances of Tottenham have been encouraging, with the team securing a valuable point against Newcastle in midweek. Van de Ven emphasized the importance of these results as the team prepares for a demanding festive schedule. The upcoming matches, including a crucial Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague and an away game at Nottingham Forest, are seen as opportunities for Spurs to climb the league table.
Van de Ven explained: “It was a good point at Newcastle and an important home win today. You can see in the table that all the teams are really close together. One game you can be fifth, the next you can be 13th. Tuesday [Slavia Prague] is important for us in the Champions League as well, then it’s Nottingham Forest away. That will be a really tough game but if we can get three points, as you say, you’re looking upwards.”
The Tottenham dressing room remains confident in manager Thomas Frank, despite the pressures associated with managing a high-profile club. Van de Ven reiterated the team’s trust in Frank, acknowledging the challenges but expressing faith in his leadership.
Van de Ven concluded on Thomas Frank: “Of course, when a team is not doing really well, everybody is going to be on the manager. But we’re good with him and the team trusts in him. He knows what he wants us to do and we know what he wants.”
As Tottenham continues to navigate the season, the club is poised for drama and excitement, with Frank’s tenure in north London already marked by significant talking points, including selection decisions and VAR controversies. The team’s recent form and the emergence of young talents like Xavi Simons suggest a promising future for Spurs.