Xavi Simons earns big Jamie Carragher verdict after facing his son — what it means for Tottenham and Maddison

Carragher’s verdict: a pitch‑side view that sold him on Simons

Jamie Carragher didn’t just catch a highlights reel. He was sat close to the touchline this summer when his son lined up against Xavi Simons for a Netherlands youth side. From that vantage point, the former Liverpool defender says the £52 million Tottenham signing looked every inch a Premier League hit — quick feet, clean technique, and a calmness that stood out in tight spaces.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said that being so near the action gave him a proper feel for the player: the first touch that kills a fizzed pass, the body swerve that opens an angle that didn’t seem there, the confidence to take responsibility. He’s convinced Spurs have bought quality, and he pushed the conversation further by wondering aloud what this means for James Maddison when he returns from knee surgery.

That’s the tension lingering behind the excitement. Tottenham have spent big and gone bold again — six signings, £170.6 million outlay, plus a late loan for Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint‑Germain — and Simons is the centerpiece. The Athletic backed the move too, placing him 13th out of 151 summer transfers, with Kolo Muani at 20. Those rankings don’t win points, but they track with the feeling shared by scouts and analysts: Simons brings instant upside and long‑term value.

So why is Carragher so certain? Because the traits he spotted up close translate. Simons carries the ball with purpose, not just for show. He has that half‑turn gear change that makes pressing him risky, and he releases the pass early enough to keep moves flowing. The decision‑making is what separates him from many young attackers — fewer extra touches, more product.

What Simons changes for Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham

Ange Postecoglou wants technical players who can press, rotate positions, and keep the tempo high. Simons fits cleanly into that model. He’s happy on the right drifting inside, comfortable off the left, and strong as a No 10 when the game needs a lock‑picker rather than a sprinter. That flexibility lets Spurs tweak the front four without ripping up the plan.

Here’s how the pieces might shift once he’s up to speed:

• As a right‑sider, Simons can combine with the overlapping full‑back, then drift into central pockets to link with the striker.
• On the left, he can drive inside to shoot or slip runners beyond, letting the left‑back hold width.
• As a No 10, he can share creative load with a deeper playmaker, pulling markers around to open lanes for forwards.

That last role is where Maddison comes into focus. When the England international is out, Simons can carry the creative burden between the lines. When Maddison returns, Postecoglou has options: play both in the same XI against deep blocks, or rotate them to keep intensity high every three days. Competition will be sharp, and that’s the point — Spurs have been short of reliable variety in the final third when injuries hit.

Simons’ background supports the optimism. He came through Barcelona’s academy, moved to Paris, and then exploded at PSV in 2022‑23 with a season that announced him at senior level. A loan in Germany showed he could adapt to a different rhythm — faster transitions, more duels, less time on the ball — and he still found ways to create. The common thread: he learns quickly and adds end product without losing flair.

The Premier League will test him in different ways. The tackles are heavier, the pressing traps are smarter, and teams punish slow starts. But Simons’ game is built on control as much as chaos. He takes the ball on the half‑turn, keeps opponents off balance with quick shifts, and picks runners early. That profile tends to settle well in England, especially in a side that wants the ball and plays up the pitch.

Part of the excitement in N17 is how he links with what’s already there. Tottenham have pace and directness in wide areas; they’ve added a creator who can join the third‑man runs and still be the final passer. If Kolo Muani’s loan clicks, Spurs have a forward who loves attacking the space Simons and others can carve out. Add a fit Maddison later in the season, and the passing combinations multiply.

There’s also the schedule to consider. Postecoglou’s style asks for high‑speed football across league and cup. Depth isn’t a luxury; it’s how you maintain identity through setbacks. Last season, when injuries piled up, Spurs were forced to blunt edges of their plan. This time, Simons lets them keep their foot down without sacrificing control between the lines.

Of course, selection questions won’t go away. If Simons starts hot, where does Maddison slot in on his return? You can imagine both starting in certain fixtures — one pulling wide to overload flanks, the other operating centrally — but it will demand discipline in transition. Postecoglou tolerates risk but not chaos. The midfield behind them will need legs, and the front line must counter‑press as a unit to avoid long stretches of defending in their own third.

The price tag matters here too. Spurs paid a premium because they believe Simons can be both a match‑winner now and a cornerstone later. At 21, he doesn’t need to be perfect every week, but he does need to move games in moments — the disguised pass, the give‑and‑go that breaks a low block, the quick shift onto his right to finish from the edge. Those are the actions that turn one point into three.

Carragher’s pitch‑side story is a good reality check amid the hype. When a seasoned defender talks about the feel of a player up close — the balance when receiving, the way he looks over his shoulder before the ball arrives, the confidence to ask for it again after a mistake — that’s the kind of detail you only get when you’re practically on the grass. It explains why his verdict was so firm: he didn’t just see flashes; he saw habits.

Beyond individual talent, the window shows Spurs doubling down on a plan. The club faced questions about whether to prioritize other positions, but they still went for high‑ceiling attackers who fit the system. Six new faces, £170.6m spent, and a loan for Kolo Muani on deadline day — it’s a clear signal that creativity and mobility at the top end of the pitch are non‑negotiable. The Athletic’s rankings won’t decide the table, but seeing Simons at 13th and Kolo Muani at 20th frames how the wider market rates those bets.

What should fans expect in the first months? Likely a blend: bursts of brilliance, a few heavy challenges, and a learning curve against compact defenses. The encouraging part is that Simons doesn’t need a team built around him to shine. Give him rotations around the ball, runners in behind, and a manager willing to let him take risks, and he’ll find the rhythm. Tottenham believe they’ve bought that player — and Carragher, from a few feet away this summer, thinks they’ve got it right.