Featured Image Credit: Instagram/nonzinoo10
Topics: Xavi Simons, PSV, Eredivisie, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Xavi Simons, PSV, Eredivisie, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain
Xavi Simons was filmed cleaning boots at PSV Eindhoven's training ground this week, with one teammate saying it was done to "keep his feet on the ground".
The highly-rated 19-year-old midfielder, who completed a surprise move to PSV from Paris Saint-Germain in June, has scored ten goals in 24 games for club and country this season.
He even earned a call-up to Louis van Gaal's Netherlands World Cup squad after a strong first half to the domestic season.
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But his teammates at Eindhoven are keen to keep him grounded as he continues to impress in his debut season in Eredivisie.
Noni Madueke, another one of PSV's top youngsters, posted a clip of Simons cleaning boots. "Gotta make sure our young superstar keeps his feet on the ground," he wrote on his Instagram story.
Simons was thrust into the limelight at an early age. He graduated through the La Masia academy and was tipped as Barcelona's next big star after impressing in their youth teams.
But to the surprise of many, he penned a €1 million per-year deal at Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
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Simons made six Ligue 1 appearances for PSG last season and many expected him to commit his long term future to the French side.
Instead, he turn down a lengthy contract at the Parc des Princes to sign a five-year deal with PSV.
PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy played a big part in his move. "We have a very good connection, it's very important to me," he told ESPN.
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"He explained very well how he wants to work with the team and with me. For my part, I prefer to play as an attacking or central midfielder. Let me run, score and assist."
After scoring on his debut against Ajax in the Dutch Super Cup, Simons would soon become the Eredivisie's top scorer after netting six goals in his opening four games for the club.
"I think I made a good decision by going to PSV. I'm very happy, I think you can see that," he said in his post-match interview.
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He was promised regular first-team football at the Philips Stadion and he's flourished since joining last summer.
Back in October, the teenager gave a fascinating insight into the difference between Barcelona and PSG training in the aftermath of PSV's Europa League win against Arsenal.
"Believe me, at Barca they don't do much work in the gym. They work with the ball, but not in the gym," Simons told ESPN.
"When I arrived at Paris Saint-Germain, I found the differences. At PSG they worked in the gym.”
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Simons added: "In Paris you get a completely different life. Ligue 1 is a physically strong competition. Then you have to protect yourself and that was one of my goals.
"Being small doesn't matter, being strong [does]. I was sixteen when I came to PSG. With all those guys, you notice the difference early on. I train hard and give everything. Football is my life."