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Micky's joy as countryman Xavi finally earns his Spurs

Irish Daily Star

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December 08, 2025

XAVI SIMONS' first Tottenham goal came as no surprise to Micky van de Ven - because he had told his compatriot his time would come.

- BY RYAN TAYLOR

The marquee £51.8 million summer signing has endured a frustrating start in N17 but he was the toast of Spurs' first Premier League home win since the opening day of season when he also assisted for Richarlison's opener.

When asked whether he has had to put an arm around his club and Holland teammate, Van de Ven said: "No, to be honest. He kept training every day to become a better player, every day over and over again.

"Of course, in the moments where he's a bit down because he didn't start, I'm there for him and I speak with him.

"I said, 'Xavi, trust me, your time will come'.

After Richarlison put Spurs in front in the 25th minute, Simons, 22, scored the second just before the break.

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