player-image

XaviSimons

Xavi Simons news

Latest news

Florian Wirtz Xavi Simons

Frank compares Simons to Wirtz amid playmakers' struggles

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank compared Xavi Simons to Liverpool's Florian Wirtz as the playmakers continue to struggle for form since swapping the Bundesliga for the Premier League in the summer. Simons left RB Leipzig to complete his move to Spurs, while Wirtz joined the Reds from former German champions Bayer Leverkusen as the Merseyside broke the British transfer record at that time.

Xavi Simons Djed Spence

'Too many times!' - Frank gives verdict on Simons & Spence partnership

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has given a brutally honest verdict on the partnership between new signing Xavi Simons and Djed Spence after seeing Spurs beat Villarreal 1-0 in their opening Champions League match of the 2025-26 campaign. An early own goal from Yellow Submarine goalkeeper Luiz Junior ensured Tottenham took all three points in a narrow win in north London.

Frequently asked questions

Phil Foden usually plays as a right winger for Manchester City, using his stronger left foot to cut in and create scoring opportunities. Thanks to his versatility, he has also been deployed on the left of a front three, or in a more centrally influential role as the #10.

Phil Foden was born in Stockport in Greater Manchester region, England.

Ever since making his debut for Man City, Phil Foden has sported the No. 47 jersey, which he wears in honour of his late grandfather, Ronnie, who died at the age of 47.

Phil Foden stands at 1.71m (5ft 7in), making him one of the shortest players in the Man City setup. Although he doesn't possess the extra strength, he is blessed with nimble footwork, with his low centre of gravity aiding him in drifting past opponents with ease.

Phil Foden weighs 70kg (154 lbs), with his low weight and diminuitive physique allowing him to skilfully dribble past players and function in half spaces.

Phil Foden joined the Manchester City academy in 2009 and broke into the first team in the 2017-18 season.

Phil Foden has three children with long-term partner Rebecca Cooke - two sons and a daughter.

While Phil Foden isn't married yet, he has been in a long-term relationship with girlfriend Rebecca Cooke, with the couple welcoming their third child during Euro 2024.