Thomas Frank Says Two Players On-Pitch Chemistry is ‘Not 100% in Sync Yet.’

In the wake of Tottenham Hotspur's gritty 1-0 Champions League victory over Villarreal, manager Thomas Frank turned his attention to the evolving on-pitch partnership between Xavi Simons and Djed Spence.

The Danish tactician, who took the reins at Spurs earlier this year, provided candid insights into the duo's developing synergy during his post-match press conference, emphasizing the need for time to forge a potent attacking link on the left flank.

Post-Match Reflections: From Villarreal Win to Attacking Evolution

Frank's comments came after an hard-fought European opener at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where an early own goal by Villarreal's Luiz Júnior secured all three points for Spurs in their return to the Champions League group stage. While the focus was on the narrow win, Frank used the opportunity to discuss Tottenham's ongoing offensive refinements, particularly the integration of summer signing Xavi Simons alongside established right-back Djed Spence.

“Obviously, we are building the offensive structure more and more. Xavi Simons has just come into the club. It’s fair to say he and Djed need a little relationship, of course, to get going,” said Frank.

This honest assessment highlights the transitional phase Spurs are navigating under Frank's guidance, blending new talent with the squad's core to challenge for top-four finishes in the Premier League and success in Europe.

Left Flank Focus: Promise Against West Ham, Room for Improvement

Referencing a recent Premier League encounter, Frank noted positive steps in Simons and Spence's collaboration.

“On the left side, Xavi and Djed, good against West Ham, but it’s not 100% in sync when maybe it’s not going, as an example. We gave so many times the ball away, where we could have played it more second half, which just happens sometimes," he added.

The performance against West Ham showcased flashes of creativity from the Dutch playmaker Simons, whose vision and dribbling could unlock defenses, paired with Spence's pace and crossing ability. However, lapses in possession during key moments underscore the importance of building instinctive understanding.

Frank contrasted this with the more established dynamic on Tottenham's right flank, where Pedro Porro and Mohammed Kudus are already clicking.

“On the right side, Pedro and Kudus, they definitely have something going. I think Lucas came over to that side, it looks right,” the manager observed, likely alluding to Lucas Bergvall's versatility in drifting across the pitch.

This comparison serves as both motivation and a blueprint for the left-sided pair, illustrating how fluid rotations can elevate Spurs' attacking potency.

Xavi Simons and Djed Spence: A Partnership with High Potential

Xavi Simons, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder who joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig in a high-profile summer transfer, brings elite technical quality and goal threat to Frank's system.

Joao Palhinha full of praise for new signing Xavi Simons 🤍 [@HaytersTV]pic.twitter.com/PpDyGGaN1T

— COYS.com (@COYS_com) September 17, 2025

Meanwhile, Djed Spence, the 25-year-old full-back who has solidified his role since arriving from Middlesbrough via Nottingham Forest, offers defensive solidity and forward surges. Their combined attributes—Simons' flair and Spence's athleticism—position them as a nightmare for opposing right-backs, but as Frank stressed, cohesion is key.

Under Thomas Frank's pragmatic yet progressive style, previously honed at Brentford, Tottenham aims to balance defensive resilience with expansive attacking play. The Villarreal win, though not flamboyant, exemplified this approach, and refining flank partnerships like Simons-Spence will be crucial for upcoming fixtures against the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal.

Looking Ahead: Syncing Up for Premier League and Champions League Glory

As Tottenham embarks on a demanding schedule, Frank's optimism about Simons and Spence's growth signals exciting times ahead. With the Champions League campaign underway and the Premier League title race heating up, Spurs fans will be keenly watching how this duo evolves. Early signs against West Ham suggest they're on the right track, and with Frank's tactical acumen, their "relationship" could soon become one of the league's most feared.

Thomas Frank's measured take post-Villarreal not only reflects on the 1-0 win but also sets a tone of patience and ambition for Tottenham's season. As the left flank gels, expect Simons and Spence to play pivotal roles in Spurs' push for silverware.