As previously reported, Xavi Simons is set to sign for RB Leipzig on a season-long loan from PSG. This comes after a stellar season in the Eredivisie for PSV where the 20-year-old scored 19 goals in 34 league appearances.
However, it is for his overall attacking play that Leipzig will be in desperate need to lure the Dutch talent over to Saxony. As per FBRef, Simons created 33 goal-creating actions last season, which is a remarkable nine more than Vito van Crooij (24) and 10 more than Dušan Tadić (23).
Combining his exceptional dribbling ability – where he completed more successful dribbles than any other player in the Eredivisie (74) – with a sharp eye for goal, creating goal-scoring opportunities is an area that Simons excels in. While 19 goals equalled the joint highest in the league, Simons was also able to show that he has an eye for a pass.
Twelve assists in all competitions highlighted the best return for any PSV player, as he was instrumental in guiding the side to lift the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff Shield. For Leipzig, Simons will perfectly fill the boots of Dominik Szoboszlai who has departed for Liverpool.
Last season, Szoboszlai created 5.52 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes for Die Roten Bullen. This reflected a league best for the Bundesliga, and while it could have been difficult for Marco Rose to compensate for the loss of his Hungarian creator, Simons is the ideal replacement and could be the difference maker in a push for the Meisterschale.
GGFN | Will Shopland
