Analysis: Looking at Chelsea’s Target Xavi Simons

Chelsea’s Eye on Xavi Simons: The Dutch Gem Lighting Up Europe

Chelsea have already dipped into the Bundesliga market this summer but reports suggest their scouts may still be watching closely, this time tracking the mercurial Xavi Simons. So what makes the Netherlands international such a compelling target?

Last summer, Xavi Simons was already making waves in Germany. But for many outside Bundesliga circles, he was simply “one to watch.” That changed during Euro 2024. His explosive goal against England, after snatching the ball off Declan Rice and rifling it past Jordan Pickford, introduced him to a global audience. Even though the Dutch eventually fell short, the moment was unforgettable.

Now, Simons is reportedly on Chelsea’s radar. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder was only permanently signed by RB Leipzig in January after an extended loan from Paris Saint-Germain, yet a summer move to London could be in the works.

Chelsea have invested heavily in youth lately and Simons fits the bill. Born in Amsterdam, he moved to Spain early in life and came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, the same talent factory that molded legends. Although Chelsea tried to snap him up as a teen, he eventually joined PSG at 16. His time in Paris was limited, with only 11 senior appearances, prompting loan spells that let him show his true potential.

In 2022 23, he dazzled in the Eredivisie with PSV, bagging 19 goals and 8 assists in 34 games, just two fewer than league leader Dusan Tadic. A return to Germany followed with RB Leipzig, where he impressed again. Over the last two seasons, he has tallied 21 goals and 21 assists across all competitions.

His Bundesliga output last term? Ten goals and seven assists in 25 league games, outperforming his expected goals (xG) by nearly 5. Only three players exceeded their xG by more.

Leipzig’s absence from European competition next season means some players might be moved on. For Simons, that could mean a new challenge, possibly in the Premier League.

Versatility and Vision

Though primarily a central attacking midfielder, Simons was deployed mostly from the left last season, often drifting into central pockets in Leipzig’s fluid system. He’s comfortable in multiple roles and his heat maps show involvement all across the final third.

He differs from Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who usually operates as a pure No 10. Simons, on the other hand, offers more width yet isn’t restricted to the flank. Though he rarely shoots with his left, his right foot remains deadly when cutting inside or arriving late in the box.

His shot map highlights a preference for central efforts and he’s efficient. Almost all 66 shots last season came from his dominant foot, with most of his goals coming when positioned between the posts.

Simons vs Palmer – Similar Yet Different

Statistically, Palmer narrowly edged Simons in non-penalty goals and assists in league play last season but played over 1000 minutes more. Palmer had 11 goals and 8 assists; Simons had 10 and 7.

However, Simons saw more of the ball per game (70.9 touches vs Palmer’s 56.5) and completed more passes per 90 (46.1 vs 36.9), showing his ability to influence build-up play. Their passing accuracy is nearly identical, both just above 82 percent.

Creatively, Palmer leads in chances created per 90 (2.1 vs 1.7) but both players represent high-caliber creators. Together, they could cause nightmares for opposition defenses.

Squad Fit and Tactical Appeal

Chelsea’s current squad gives Simons an opening on the left flank. With Mykhailo Mudryk facing suspension and Raheem Sterling likely to leave, there’s room for someone with Simons’ blend of flair and work rate. Jamie Gittens is one option but Simons offers a different profile, more creator than finisher, more playmaker than winger.

Simons also shines when carrying the ball. Though his dribble success rate (32.7 percent) needs improvement, he still produced 15 chances directly from carries and ranked among the Bundesliga’s top players for progressive ball movement.

His 123 long progressive carries (moves over 10 meters) were seventh-most in the league. Among Chelsea’s current options, only Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto, now at Arsenal, had comparable carry stats.

Transitions won’t be an issue either. Leipzig and Chelsea both ranked second in their leagues for shots from counter-attacks. Simons should adapt seamlessly to Enzo Maresca’s fast-paced philosophy.

He’s also no slouch defensively. He led Leipzig in possession wins in the final third (21), despite playing just 25 of 34 league matches.

Statistical Twins

Opta’s Player Comparison tool found Simons’ closest match to be Werder Bremen’s Romano Schmid (83 percent similarity). Interestingly, he also closely mirrored Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard (80 percent) in progressive passes, carries, and chance creation, proof of his elite-level influence in possession.

So, What’s Next?

With Chelsea’s young core growing in confidence after their Club World Cup triumph, Simons would be yet another jewel in their crown. Whether he becomes “the Dutch Cole Palmer” is beside the point, he’s been living under a legendary name since birth. Living up to big expectations is nothing new to him.

What is clear? If Chelsea seal the deal, they’ll be getting a player who’s ready technically, tactically, and temperamentally for Premier League football.