Thomas Frank Reviews Xavi Simons & Djed Spence Partnership After Tottenham's Champions League Win
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank delivers a candid assessment of new signings Xavi Simons and Djed Spence following Spurs' 1-0 victory over Villarreal in their Champions League opener.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has given a brutally honest verdict on the partnership between new signing Xavi Simons and Djed Spence after seeing Spurs beat Villarreal 1-0 in their opening Champions League match of the 2025-26 campaign. An early own goal from Yellow Submarine goalkeeper Luiz Junior ensured Tottenham took all three points in a narrow win in north London.
Intense Pressure to Perform
The match against Villarreal saw Tottenham's Xavi Simons and Djed Spence facing intense scrutiny as the duo partnered together for the first time. With high expectations surrounding their performances, the pressure was on for the two new signings to deliver.
Impact of the Own Goal
Tottenham's victory was sealed by an early own goal from Villarreal's Luiz Junior. While this gave Spurs the lead, it also highlighted the importance of defensive stability and the need for the Simons-Spence partnership to develop a solid understanding at the back.
Frank's Honest Assessment
In his post-match comments, Thomas Frank didn't hold back in his assessment of the Simons-Spence partnership. The manager acknowledged the potential of the duo but also emphasized the need for improvement, especially in terms of communication and coordination on the pitch.
Looking Ahead
As Tottenham progresses in the Champions League campaign, all eyes will be on how Xavi Simons and Djed Spence adapt and evolve as a defensive duo. The partnership's development will be crucial for Spurs' success in the tournament, and fans will be eager to see how they respond to Frank's feedback.
