Igor Tudor says Tottenham star gave him a ‘really beautiful surprise’ this week
Igor Tudor has revealed the qualities of Xavi Simons that he particularly admires after the Tottenham midfielder’s outstanding display against Atletico Madrid.
The Dutchman started in his preferred number ten role against Atletico, and he linked up excellently with Tottenham’s midfielders as well as Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Mauni upfront.
Xavi netted a brace, including a stoppage-time penalty, as Spurs secured a 3-2 victory in the second leg to earn some respectability after being demolished in Madrid last week.
The Tottenham star has been named in the Champions League Team of the Week, and his head coach has now revealed what he particularly liked about the 22-year-old’s performance.
Igor Tudor hails Xavi Simons’ mentality on recall to Tottenham eleven
The former RB Leipzig man has been a peripheral figure over recent weeks, having not started any of Tottenham’s last three games ahead of Wednesday’s second leg.
The Dutchman certainly took his opportunity with both hands, and Tudor admitted that he was delighted with the 22-year-old’s drive and mentality.
When asked how he can get Xavi playing at that level consistently, the Croat told Football.London: “Oh, I didn’t get him. He himself was motivated, was good, was with the right mentality. When he’s like that, his qualities come out.
“So his qualities connect a lot with these things I said now. It was a really beautiful surprise for me. He was inside from the first second of the game. It was nice to find in him this resource we will need in these last games we still have to play.”
It was pointed out to Tudor that Xavi also had the most ball recoveries against Atletico, and the interim Spurs boss was asked if the former RB Leipzig man was a fighter as well as being a playmaker.
The 47-year-old responded: “For sure. In football today, it’s always about 11 players who need to defend, so the more players you have with these values, the better result you get.”
Xavi issues plea to Spurs fans ahead of Nottingham Forest clash
Xavi called on Tottenham to use their performance against Atletico as a ‘building block’ as they attempt to get some points on the board and give themselves some breathing space in the relegation battle.
Speaking to the club’s official website a couple of days ago, the Spurs midfielder insisted that the club now have eight ‘finals’ left this season.
In the interview, Xavi also thanked Tottenham fans for their support against Atletico and urged them to do their part to push the team on against Forest.
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