Tottenham Hotspur face Monaco in the Champions League tonight, aiming to bounce back from their home defeat to Aston Villa over the weekend.<\/p>\n
Thomas Frank\u2019s side enter the competition with high expectations following last season\u2019s Europa League triumph. The Dane has made a solid start to his first Champions League campaign, winning one and drawing the other of their opening two fixtures in the 2025\/26 season. However, tonight\u2019s clash against Sebastien Pocognoli\u2019s Monaco will be a stern test, with the Ligue 1 side having held Manchester City to a 2-2 draw earlier this month.<\/p>\n
If Frank is to secure another European victory, he will need one of his current stars to deliver in the South of France.<\/p>\n
Xavi Simons\u2019 difficult start at Spurs<\/p>\n
During the summer transfer window, Tottenham made strengthening their attacking midfield a priority. After several unsuccessful pursuits, they secured Dutch international Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig for around \u00a352 million. His 19 goal contributions in all competitions last season generated huge excitement, but his time in North London has yet to take off.<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old has managed just one assist in his first eight appearances for Spurs, with critics already questioning his hefty transfer fee. Simons has created only 1.3 chances per 90 minutes and completed 40% of his dribbles, ranking him in the 44th percentile among Premier League players. He has also struggled physically, winning just 38% of his duels \u2014 lower than 73% of players in the division.<\/p>\n
Frank will be hoping to help Simons rediscover his form, and one key selection decision tonight could make the difference.<\/p>\n
The Spurs player who can help Simons rediscover his form<\/p>\n
Since arriving in North London, Simons has been deployed in several roles, often featuring out wide on the left. This unfamiliar position has limited his attacking influence, and Frank may look to restore him to his preferred number ten role \u2014 where he excelled for Leipzig, creating nearly twice as many chances per 90 minutes last season.<\/p>\n
Up front, Tottenham\u2019s options have been disrupted. Richarlison has struggled to find consistency, while Dominic Solanke\u2019s recurring ankle problems have kept him sidelined. This could open the door for Randal Kolo Muani to make his first start for the club against Monaco.<\/p>\n
The French forward, who joined on loan from PSG on deadline day, has played just 24 minutes for Spurs so far. Yet, a Champions League night could provide the perfect opportunity to prove himself. Kolo Muani, described as \u201cphenomenal\u201d by former coach Christian Gourcuff, netted 10 goals in 22 appearances for Juventus last season, showcasing his clinical edge in front of goal.<\/p>\n
His presence could be exactly what Simons needs to thrive, giving the Dutchman a sharp and mobile target ahead of him. With Kolo Muani\u2019s attacking instincts \u2014 likened by the Bundesliga website to the \u201challmarks of Thierry Henry\u2019s game\u201d \u2014 Simons may finally begin to deliver on his promise.<\/p>\n
Randal Kolo Muani \u2013 2024\/25 Season Stats<\/p>\n
Statistics (per 90) Tally<\/p>\n
Games played 26
\nGoals & assists 12
\nShot on target accuracy 48%
\nGoals per shot on target 0.4
\nKey passes 1.4
\nTake-ons completed 1.5
\nCarries into opposition box 1.2
\nAerials won 1.2<\/p>\n
(Stats via FotMob)<\/p>\n
Kolo Muani has also averaged 1.1 successful crosses per 90 minutes, complementing his aerial ability \u2014 having scored three headers last season.<\/p>\n
Both Simons and Kolo Muani have yet to meet expectations since arriving in North London, but tonight\u2019s match could be the turning point. If Frank pairs them together, the duo could help maintain Tottenham\u2019s unbeaten European run and strengthen their pursuit of another continental title.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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