Xavi Simons did not really get to show what he can do at Tottenham Hotspur following a campaign impacted by poor team performances and a major injury.

Spurs paid £51 million to sign the Dutch international during the summer of 2025, and he managed six goals and seven assists in his debut campaign.

However, his season was cut short following an ACL injury which he suffered away at Wolves in April.

The 23-year-old missed the final few games of the season, the 2026 World Cup and the start of the current campaign.

But now, he is very close to making his long-awaited return, and he could prove to be the missing piece of Roberto De Zerbi's team.

Roberto De Zerbi is a big admirer of Tottenham Hotspur's Xavi Simons and will be delighted to have him back very soon.

The Italian manager has had to wait nearly seven months to get the Dutch midfielder back from injury, but his return to action is close.

David Ornstein has been speaking about De Zerbi's love for Simons and has also explained how he is close to making his return.

Ornstein told The Athletic: "Spurs have got players still to come back from injury, so they’ve got (Wilson) Odobert in the attacking department.

"They've also got Xavi Simons, who I hear that Roberto De Zerbi has a great relationship with, and thinks very highly of."

Simons scored one of the biggest goals under De Zerbi last season, with his incredible strike against Brighton.

The former PSG and Barcelona academy star has shown what he can do in flashes, but under a new manager, his best form could finally be unlocked.

There has been a lot of talk about Spurs missing an elite number nine, and whilst that is certainly true, being without a reliable attacking midfielder is hurting them just as much.

Dominic Solanke, Omar Marmoush and Richarlison have been unable to deliver for Spurs this season, but James Maddison and Simons, both being sidelined, have been equally as costly.

The difference when Spurs have had Maddison in the team has been huge, with De Zerbi's team creating way more chances.

Having a player in the number ten role, who can create chances and draw in players with his movement, will significantly improve De Zerbi's attack.

Tottenham could return for Morgan Gibbs-White; however, with Simons soon returning from injury, a move could be held off.

Tottenham will carefully manage Simons' return, and hoepfully he will be able to roatte with Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski in the ten role.