COYS
Spurs' selection dilemma with new arrivals training ahead of London derby
Both Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani have begun training at Tottenham Hotspur following their arrivals late into the summer transfer window.
Dutch talent Simons was presented to supporters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before his new side suffered defeat at the hands of Bournemouth, and following an unscathed international break the 22-year-old is now available for selection ahead of a trip to West Ham United on Saturday.
As for Kolo Muani, his loan move to North London sprung into action on deadline day, and the French striker should come in to provide much needed cover and competition for the current crop of attackers at Thomas Frank's disposal.
happy boyyyyy pic.twitter.com/ddxVy3T1Ot
— Xavi Simons (@xavisimons) September 10, 2025
Where they fit
The late arrivals of Simons and Kolo Muani, alongside Mohammed Kudus, fill in for the glaring voids in the Spurs squad left by Son Heung-Min and James Maddison.
Scoring goals wasn't necessarily the fault for a 17th placed league finish last season, however all three attacking arrivals will look to provide different types of output to that amongst the existing talent.
The name Xavi Simons has whirled round the game for close to a decade now despite only being 22-years-old.
Once the crown jewel of La Masia, Simons now has the opportunity to fulfil a potential fit for the biggest stages.
His elegance on the ball and ability to rack up attacking output makes Simons the outstanding candidate to become the next in line behind Bale, Kane, and Son in recent world class forwards discovered at Tottenham Hotspur.
Able to play both centrally and on the left side, its unclear where Frank will look to use Simons, with neither position locked down in the current Spurs side despite the best efforts of Pape Sarr and Brennan Johnson.
Following two years in Germany where Simons managed double figures in goals both campaigns, Tottenham need their £50 million man to step up and fill the void left by the previous owner of the number seven shirt.
Xavi Simons is the only Bundesliga player to create 100+ chances, win 100+ fouls and complete 100+ take-ons since 2023/24.
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 29, 2025
◉ 131 chances created
◉ 129 fouls won
◉ 119 successful take-ons
He's also scored 18 goals and provided 18 assists. 📞 pic.twitter.com/AEZFN580Pr
As for Kolo Muani, a six month spell in Italy with Juventus should give Spurs fans hope there is still a highly talented player ready to bring top class pedigree to the squad.
Scoring 10 goals in 19 starts with the Italian side, Spurs can hope Kolo Muani will carry that prolific play into his latest loan move following an unsuccessful £75 million move to Paris Saint-Germain.
At only 26 there is no reason to doubt the Frenchman can come in and compete with Richarlison and Dominic Solanke, with the former putting a strong foot forward so far this season in justifying his starting spot.
Kolo Muani is able to play both centrally and out wide, with his versatility no doubt an important factor in Spurs bringing him to the club.
Kolo Muani getting to work 💪 pic.twitter.com/NJGCXKho6k
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 5, 2025
Amid Solanke's injury woes and Richarlison's international ventures Kolo Muani has had the opportunity to impress his new coach after missing out on a place in Didier Deschamps' France squad.
Despite excitement amongst fans over seeing new faces in action, its unclear whether Thomas Frank will feel his latest arrivals are prepared enough to step in for a fixture that always has an edge as Spurs travel across the capital to the London Stadium.
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