Xavi Simons
Full name: Xavier Quentin Shay Simons
Country: Netherlands/Spain
Date of birth: 21/04/2003 (18 years old)
Place of birth: Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Height: 174cm
Youth career: CD Tháder Rojales, FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (since 2019)
Current club: Paris Saint-Germain
Squad number: 34
Current national team: Netherlands U-19
Position: central midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger, second striker
Preferred foot: right
Market value (by transfermarkt.de): 500.000 €
Tournaments participated in: UEFA Youth League 2021/2022 (6/3)
Contract until: 30.06.2022
Player’s agent: Mino Raiola
Transfer rumours: —
Similar type of player: Renato Sanches
Strengths:
– pace 
– acceleration
– technique
– ball control
– passing
– vision
– creativity
– dribbling
– versatility
– off the ball movement 
– flair
Weaknesses:
– defensive positioning
Style of play:
– roaming playmaker
– extremely versatile and skillful player able to play on many other positions and roles such as advanced playmaker, false ‘9’, or even on the wing
– great acceleration, agility, flair, body balance, changes of pace, and coordination
– creative player with very good technical ability, 1vs1 short-dribbling skills, close ball control, fast direction shifts in possession, and vision to make through passes to the teammates providing dynamism to the team’s last offensive third plays
– player that always tries to find a vertical option in his game, so he is very capable of pushing his team forward to finishing positions/excellent mix of a progressive passer and carrier
– likes to dribble
– likes to play in a free role granted the freedom to roam the pitch and find space
– likes to use tricks and unconventional skills to remain in possession of the ball
– very high mobility and cleverness at his off-the-ball movements
– very strong in 1v1 situations, unpredictable, and confident of his skills
– extraordinary thinking when on the ball – he often chooses options that are unexpected for the opposition/difference-maker
– has the technique, ability, and confidence to execute the killer passes and set up goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates
– plays with a natural flair and is dangerous in the box
– displays a natural technique to take fast decisions in tight spaces
– extremely difficult to knock off the ball thanks to his low centre of gravity and excellent close control
– very dangerous on the counter thanks to his electric pace and acceleration
– often makes surging runs into the penalty box
– operates comfortably with his left weaker foot
– competent set-piece taker
Simons receives the ball the ball in the penalty area and make a great first touch pass to assist his teammate.
Simons makes a great off the ball movement, receives the ball, and scores with a clinical finish.
He is best suited to playing as:
Central midfielder in 4-3-3.
Video:
Achievements:
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League summary (as for 10 December 2021):
Ligue 1 2020/2021: 1 game/0 goals (PSG)
Description:
Xavi Simons is the son of Dutch former footballer Regillio Simons. He moved to the famous La Masia, FC Barcelona youth academy, in 2010 from CD Tháder. In July 2019, Xavi moved to the French side Paris Saint-Germain, after having failed to agree on a new contract with Barcelona. He made his professional debut for PSG, coming on as a substitute for Julian Draxler in a 1–0 Coupe de France win over Caen. This season he has been phenomenal in the UEFA Youth League – so far he scored 3 goals and provided 6 assists in 6 games against the likes of Manchester City, RB Leipzig, and Club Brugge.
Quotes:
“It was written in the stars that Xavi (yes, named after former Barcelona midfielder) would surpass his father Regillio, a journeyman striker who played for Fortuna Sittard and NAC Breda among others, as a footballer. Simons Jr joined Barcelona in 2010 after his parents moved to Spain, and came to be seen as one of the most promising young players at their La Masia academy. In every way – haircut, playing style, position, leadership – he has reminded observers of the Colombian star Carlos Valderrama, but perhaps with a better work ethic. In 2019 he moved to Paris St-Germain, where he made his first-team debut (of sorts) in a friendly in August. He has 2.6 million followers on Instagram.”
(The Guardian)
Football Talent Scout potential rating:
Player has the potential to become a key player in a top European club.
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