Sometimes, all it takes is one performance to flip the narrative and Xavi Simons may have just done that. After weeks of scrutiny and questions about his adjustment to life in North London, the Dutchman produced a dazzling display as Tottenham Hotspur thrashed FC Copenhagen 4-0 in the Champions League.

It was the kind of performance Spurs fans had been waiting for, full of energy, confidence, and creativity. Simons, who arrived from RB Leipzig in the summer, looked every bit the player supporters were promised: quick in transition, fearless on the ball, and technically sharp. His sublime assist for Brennan Johnson’s opener set the tone for what became a statement win in Europe.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the match (h/t BBC), the 22-year-old admitted the start to his Spurs career hadn’t been smooth sailing, but insisted he’s now ready to show the fans his true level.

“Obviously people want to perform and to play good,” Simons said. “I came into a new situation that has never happened to me before and I have to keep working, to trust in myself and I have my teammates have my back so I’m not worried about that. I know what I can...