Liverpool’s £60m Question: Should Xavi Simons Be the Next Move? | OneFootball

Is Xavi Simons the Right Fit for Liverpool’s Creative Void?

Creative Conundrum at Anfield

Liverpool’s search for creativity continues under Arne Slot, and as Dave Davis put it on Transfer Market Metrics, the name Xavi Simons is firmly “back on the docket”. The Dutch international is causing a split opinion—what Davis called a “Marmite name”—as fans and analysts debate his suitability for the Reds.

With the Reds currently struggling to consistently unlock low-block defences, Phil Barter highlighted a crucial issue: “Liverpool’s creativity is a bit of an issue at the moment without Trent in the side… we need it badly.” That concern sets the stage for why Simons, currently at RB Leipzig, is being seriously considered by the recruitment team.

Tactical Fit and Versatility

At just 22, Simons has already racked up international experience and shown positional flexibility, primarily playing as a left winger and attacking midfielder. Davis noted, “It’s important to say he’s split between left wing and attacking midfielder… we do like versatility.”

Barter broke down Simons’ profile with precise metrics. As an attacking midfielder, Simons falls into “the 70th percentile for non-penalty goals” and “88th percentile for passes attempted”—suggesting he’s a proactive passer, even if he “doesn’t receive the ball progressively that well.” His shot-creating actions (4.78 per 90) point to real attacking value, although Barter admitted, “If you are buying him to be a creator… 48th percentile for assists is a little bit low.”

When compared to Dominik Szoboszlai, Simons holds his own. “He actually outperforms Dom in terms of carries, take-ons… and shot-creating actions,” said Barter. But Dom edges him out in “pass completion, non-penalty goals, and defensive blocks,” areas Liverpool often value in midfielders.

Left-Wing Potential and Role under Slot

When analysing Simons as a left winger, the story shifts. “Cody [Gakpo] pretty much monsters him on all metrics apart from non-pen xG,” said Barter. Off the ball, Simons lags significantly—“tackles, interceptions, blocks, clearances… all in the red”—but once in possession, he excels: “90th percentile carries and passes progressively.”

This duality feeds into Slot’s tactical vision. Davis pointed out, “If you look at Slot historically, he’s had a creative player in the attacking line… not always pace merchants.” Simons could operate in that “attacking midfielder left half-space,” feeding more direct runners like Salah or a potential addition such as Kirk—as Davis suggested, “supplying the bullets for a number nine.”

Price Tag, Potential and Questions

Simons’ reported £60 million price tag may be divisive. Barter summed it up well: “I don’t think he’s a huge upgrade… he’s in the rough ballpark of two of the players that currently play the positions.” The cost raises questions about value for money, particularly when Barter noted, “If you’re buying for creativity… apart from when he plays as a wing, he doesn’t do that as a second mid.”

Yet, his Bundesliga numbers—nine goals and five assists—plus a respectable expected threat (xT) rating, do place him “level with Diaz, above Mack, above Dom,” according to Davis.

Still, deep blocks remain Liverpool’s nemesis, and Barter expressed caution: “I’m not sure Xavi is your man to do that… because there’s no space behind to play an incise pass.”

Final Verdict – Marmite Metrics

Both contributors reached a cautiously optimistic conclusion. Davis remarked, “He’s a creative player, he’s a playmaker—we need more threat… none of that is debatable.” But whether Simons becomes a nailed-on starter or a flexible option from the bench is still open to debate.

As Davis fittingly summarised, “People will like this player or they won’t… it will just come down to that.” Whatever fans decide, one thing’s certain: Liverpool are scouting with intent, and Xavi Simons is firmly in the conversation.