Tottenham Hotspur entered this season with quiet optimism, believing they had built a squad ready to restore the club’s identity under new manager Thomas Frank. However, as autumn has turned into November, one of their most celebrated summer arrivals, Xavi Simons, has struggled to justify the excitement around his transfer.

Spurs searched for attacking flair and landed the Dutchman after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, both of whom rejected a move to north London. Simons’ arrival from RB Leipzig marked the statement of intent the club had long needed.

But what was expected to add creativity has instead produced a subdued start. The young midfielder looks disconnected and fails to impose himself either from the left flank or his natural No.10 role. In 11 appearances, he has produced no goals and only one assist — a modest return for a player known for his attacking craft.

Still, Fabrizio Romano, as relayed by TEAMtalk, revealed that Tottenham maintains their faith in the 22-year-old. He said the club views Simons’ slow start as a normal stage in his adaptation to English football and believes their patience will pay off. Spurs see him as a long-term part of their rebuild, not a quick...