Xavi Simons has been savaged by the German media despite scoring his first goal for Tottenham on Saturday. The Netherlands internationaljoined Spurs in a deal worth £51million from RB Leipzig in the summer.

However, Simons has endured a tough start to life in north London. Indeed, he had failed to score in his first 18 appearances for Spurs before finding the net in their 3-0 win against Brentford on the weekend.

Simons, who also provided an assist in the game, ran from inside his own half before calmly finishing beyond goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. The 22-year-old won the Player of the Match prize for his efforts.

Tottenham supporters and Thomas Frank are hoping Simons' performance against Brentford can be used as a springboard for him to kick on, with Spurs next in action against Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

• Gareth Bale reveals truth behind family issue which let to him quitting football

• Controversial Man Utd decision explained as VAR intervenes against Wolves

But, in the build-up to Tottenham's game against Slavia, Simons has been slammed by the German press. This is because there is a perception that Leipzig don't miss him and have improved without.

Christoph Baumgartner has stepped into Simons' position and has been a 'sensation' in his absence. According to Bild, RB Leipzig are 'not mourning for a second' after selling Simons in August.

"While the Austrian previously had to play second fiddle to the temperamental playmaker, he’s now the driving force on the pitch – without any airs or scandals," Bild said. "And: better than Xavi!

"With ten goals and six assists in the first 16 competitive matches, he’s having a significantly stronger season than his predecessor in London at the same time. He’s also surpassing Xavi’s stats from previous years: In his first season, 2023/24, Xavi racked up 15 scorer points (6 goals/9 assists), while last year he only managed 4 goals and 5 assists after the first 16 competitive matches."

BILD's comments about Simons comes just a matter of months after it was reported he caused dressing room unrest at Leipzig last season. They alleged that Simons was at the heart of several issues at Leipzig.

His supposed large ego, along with his refusal to accept advice and criticism, were among the problems reportedly troubling the Dutchman's teammates after he was given the captain's armband.

Should Simons managed to build on his impact against Brentford, it could be a transfer that turns out well for everyone involved, including Frank, who praised him following his side's win against the Bees.

Frank said: "I think every player needs that extra good performance, so happy for him. He's been working very hard. He's a top pro, he's so determined, he wants it so badly in every aspect of his game and it's just a little bit of adaptation, also that the team is a little bit out of sync.

"Now, it was more, for example, Kudos after a great start, a little dip because of the little injury, and a lot better today as Xavi is in a good place Kolo is in a better place, Richy. So, everything just coming more and more together, so now we need to build on it."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.