PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have spent over £3billion this summer.
As a result, Dream Team managers are spoiled for choice when it comes to shiny new toys.
Alexander Isak’s (£6.5m) transfer to Liverpool will be eagerly discussed throughout the international break but gaffers should also give due consideration to Xavi Simons ahead of Gameweek 4.
Having signed for Tottenham, the Dutchman has been added to Dream Team at £4.5m.
While he’s far from bargain territory, Simons is an intriguing prospect at this price because his profile suits the world of fantasy football.
A La Masia trainee, the 22-year-old is a creative midfielder who makes things happen in the final third and isn’t afraid to take risks in an attempt to unlock opposition defences.
Capable of playing as a No10 or as a wide playmaker on either flank, Simons scored 11 goals and provided eight assists for RB Leipzig last season at a rate of one goal involvement every 145.4 minutes in all competitions.
He was even more productive the season previous when he notched 10 goals and 15 assists, with one or the other coming every 138.7 minutes.
More broadly, only two players have registered 100+ shots, 100+ chances created (from open play) and 100+ successful dribbles in the Bundesliga since the start of 2023/24: Simons and Florian Wirtz (£5.7m).
That may sound alarm bells for some Dream Team bosses as Liverpool’s new midfield star is yet to strut his stuff on these shores — he’s mustered just 11 points across the first three Gameweeks.
It’s understandable if more cautious gaffers want to wait for a proper look at Simons as the path from the Bundesliga to the Premier League can be treacherous but the Netherlands international has the necessary attributes to earn plentiful points if everything clicks.
James Maddison (£4.5m) is a long-term absentee while Dejan Kulusevski (£4.5m) may not return until the new year so there will be plenty of minutes for Simons from the off.
Spurs started well with wins over Burnley and Manchester City but they came unstuck against Bournemouth last weekend.
The North Londoners generated just 0.17 xG — their lowest figure for a league game in four years.
Mohammed Kudus (£4.7m) will appreciate some help in the creative department and should combine well with Simons.
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Despite their stutter in Gameweek 3, Thomas Frank’s troops have supplied healthy returns during the early exchanges this season.
No fewer than eight Spurs players are averaging over five points-per-game at the time of writing.
Simons also arrives at a timely juncture as Spurs will fulfil their first double Gameweek of 2025/26 immediately after the international break.
They will make the short trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham – who have conceded the most goals across the first three Gameweeks – before commencing their Champions League campaign with a home game against Villarreal.
There’s always a risk that new signings will be eased in gradually but if Simons starts both fixtures then Gameweek 4 could be a profitable introduction.
Spurs have also acquired the services of Randal Kolo Muani (£4m) on loan from PSG.
The French striker represents more firepower at Frank’s disposal but Dream Team bosses may want to keep their powder dry for now as Richarlison (£3.3m) has provided two goals and an assist in three starts this term and is therefore expected to keep his place in the starting line-up.
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