by If we think about the protagonists so far this season in Europe, it is mandatory to take into account Xavi Simon. The footballer on loan from PSG to RB Leipzig He goes like a real shot and never stops scoring great goals and creating chances for his teammates week after week. His last contribution, an impressive goal on the turnaround that was not enough to beat Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen.
The box of pink frame He has practically no options to fight for Bundesliga. They occupy fourth place with 33 points, 15 behind the leader, the ‘aspirins’ team. However, alive in the Champions LeagueThey will seek to surprise in the round of 16 against the real Madrid. And for this they will need the best version of the Dutchman, who is set to be the great threat for the white team in the tie.
A DIFFERENT PATH
The rise of Xavi Simon to the elite It has not been that of a current footballer. From a very young age he was a special figure, with a lot of charisma and a lot of media attention. Since his explosion at La Masia there has been talk about him and he has always been in doubt. He left Barça in 2019, at Cadet age, to sign for PSG.
Xavi Simons, when he played in the Barça youth team / @FC Barcelona
That decision, not wanting to grow at Can Barça, condemned him to endure criticism and his career has been questioned and the question of whether he has been well advised at times. The rumor that he could remain one of the many talents that he did not exploit was present for many years.
Even his departure from PSG was curious. She signed him free on PSV-Eindhoven in 2022, but the Parisians saved a purchase option that they would execute the following year for only 4 million euros after shaking up the Eredivisie like few footballers in the last decade: 19 goals and 9 assists in 34 league games. However, and in search of minutes, he decided to leave on loan in the summer towards the RB Leipzigand I couldn’t have chosen a better destination.
RB LEIPZIG, THE TEST BY FIRE
His return to one of the five major leagues in Europe was the great test of Xavi Simon. She had the challenge of showing that she was capable of being different as she was in the Netherlands, but in a more demanding league and on the most impressive stages on the planet, such as the Champions League.
Xavi Simons, celebrating a goal with RB Leizpig / AFP
In a favorable context such as the one that has created pink frame in it RB Leipzig He is proving it, and has become a key piece of the team. To date he has recorded seven goals and nine assists in 27 games, and the sensations he conveys are that he can cause much more damage to rivals.
WHAT DOES XAVI SIMONS CONTRIBUTE?
Although he is not a typical attacker, Xavi Simons is playing as a wingeror, although he really is a playmaker, at least a player designed to play behind the nine. He has the mentality of a forward more than a midfielder, he always tends to look for the rival goal, to energize his team’s attacks, and that makes him a very real danger when driving.
Although he is right-footed, he dominates his left foot very well, and that allows him to play on either wing. Now, without Dani Olmo, he usually occupies the left sector to exploit one of his trademark movements: diagonal inwards and lethal shot from medium-long distance.. However, when he plays on the right, he has the ability to go outside with great skill, although he does not give up going inside.
Xavi Simons, celebrating his goal against the Red Star / AFP
Between the lines he is very comfortable, exploiting his talent, creativity, electricity and last pass. He is very good at receiving with his back turned, it seems that he is not affected by the rival’s pressure, he always finds a way out, through the pass or by turning himself, something that Isco exploits very well, among many other ‘magians’.
But we must not lose perspective. He is 20 years old and has some aspects to develop., like physical appearance. If he cannot get out of individual duels by preventing contact, his opponents, usually larger than him, have no problem knocking him down.
The round of 16 of the Champions League before him Real Madrid They will be a great showcase to show what material it is made of. Their first major tie in Europe and against the most feared rival in the premier competition. Will it be decisive?
