Xavi Simons, with his blend of creativity, versatility, and dynamism, could be a transformative figure in addressing Chelsea’s persistent struggles against low block defenses ,those compact, deep-sitting setups that stifle attacking play by denying space.
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A “low block” refers to a defensive formation where the team lines up mainly in their own half, close to their goal. The primary goal of a low block is to defend against the attacking team by restricting space and limiting scoring opportunities, often by maintaining a compact shape and making it difficult for opponents to break through the defense.
Teams employing a low block typically defend with many players behind the ball, reducing the space available for the attacking team to operate, especially in wide areas and in front of the goal. This tactic is commonly used when a team is trying to preserve a lead, absorb pressure, or when facing a stronger opponent.
Low blocks poses several challenges to attacking team like Chelsea because defenders stay organized,compact and close to goal ,this reduces space between defenders making it harder for attacking players to find space to create chances or execute key passes.
Attackers are also forced to try shots from outside the box which are less likely to be on target or converted to goal.
Chelsea often rely on quick passes, movements and creating overloads to carve open defenses. When facing a low block ,tight defensive shapes make it difficult to find passing lanes .
Continuous attacking against a well-organized low block can be physically and mentally draining. Defenders may sustain their shape effectively, and attackers can become frustrated, which might lead to rushed shots or loss of possession.
Breaking down a low block requires exceptional skill, creativity, and patience.This is what chelsea have failed to replace since departure of Fabregas and Eden Hazard. Attackers must be precise with their passing, timing runs well, and often need set pieces or individual skill to create scoring chances. This Increased Need for Creativity and Precision is why Chelsea are interested in Xavi Simons !
Chelsea played a total of 38 games ,they scored 64 Goals and Conceded 43 goals .
| GOALS | XG | Shots | SOT | SOT inside box | SOT OUTSIDE BOX | touches in opposition box | Hit woodwork |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 69.19 | 436 | 218 | 206 | 121 | 1196 | 21 |
Penalties Taken (Scored)5 (4)
Free Kicks Scored (Scored)17 (2)
Crosses (Completed %)463 (22%)
Possession 57.2 %
| GOALS FOR (64) | Goals Against(43) | Goal difference(21) |
|---|---|---|
| 7th | 3rd | 4th |
Notable matches that Chelsea dominated possession but failed to score ,like draws against Brentford and Everton or losses against Fulham and Ipswich are classical examples of Chelsea’s struggles against low compact blocks.
Maresca’s possession-based system ;3-2-5 in possession struggles to create quality chances against low blocks due to predominantly lack of creativity, width, or incisiveness in the final third. The over reliance on Cole Palmers creative ability has led to opponents focusing on neutralising Palmer crippling chelsea's offensive .
Chelsea created 79 big chances with Cole palmer alone creating 20 big chances ,top big chance creators in europe were Olise and Yamal both creating 28 big chances
Source: statmuse
Solving low block issues is critical for Chelsea’s goals in the Premier League, Champions League, and Club Cup competitions, especially after their recent successes.
Xavi Simons was born on April 21, 2003, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. At age of seven Xavi joined La Masia ,FC Barcelona’s academy. Simons carries the weight of a famous name, he was named after the legendary Xavi Hernandez. A versatile attacking midfielder that blends Dutch flair with a relentless work ethic, making him a tantalizing prospect for clubs like Chelsea, who see him as a potential key to unlocking stubborn defenses.
In 2019, after years of development at Barcelona and captaining youth side, Simons made a significant decision to leave the club and signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Limited first-team opportunities at PSG led him to PSV Eindhoven in 2022, where he exploded onto the scene, scoring 19 goals and providing 8 assists in 34 Eredivisie games ,a statement of intent at just 19.
His performance led to loan spell at RB Leipzig in the 2023-24 season which further showcased his adaptability, with 8 goals and 11 assists across 32 Bundesliga matches.
During 2nd loan spell Leipzig made the sale permanent by signing on a initial £43m and add ons worth upto £27m. Season 2024/25 Xavi scored 10 goals and 7 assists in 25 matches .
These numbers underline his ability of both scoring and creating. Whether deployed as a left winger, No. 10, or right-sided attacker, Simons dazzles with his close control, incisive passing, and fearless ball-carrying, high football IQ often slicing through tight spaces with an almost telepathic understanding of the game.
At 5’10”, he’s not the most physically imposing, but his low center of gravity and quick feet making him a nightmare for defenders. He’s a risk-taker, threading needle-eye passes or embarking on mazy dribbles that can turn a static attack into a moment of magic.
Thomas tuchel,former psg and chelsea coach had this to say about Xavi
“I think his best position is half winger, half 10, so he can be free. He is technically strong, calm with the ball, and very good in front of goal.Off the ball, his high pressing and stamina align perfectly with the modern game’s demands, while his versatility allows him to adapt to various tactical setups.”
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are currently interested in buying Xavi Simons from Rb leipzig for fee potentially £60m, his age (22), fit within Chelsea transfer policy of signing young and versatile players.
Simons’ ability to play as a left winger, No. 10, or even right winger gives Maresca tactical flexibility to unlock defenses and shift to different patterns in play. For example, he could drift inside from the left to create space for overlapping fullbacks like Marc Cucurella.
Simon's ability to operate across multiple attacking roles—left winger, No. 10, or right winger—gives Maresca tactical flexibility to counter low blocks.
Against compact defenses, teams often need players who can exploit half-spaces or create overloads. Simons excels here, drifting inside from the left wing to link play or occupying central pockets as an attacking midfielder. His movement could stretch defenses, creating gaps for teammates like Cole Palmer or Enzo Fernandez. For instance, as a left-sided No. 10 in Maresca’s 3-2-5 setup, Simons could combine with an overlapping fullback like Marc Cucurella, forcing defenders to make difficult choices: step out and risk leaving space, or stay compact and allow Simons to dictate play.
Low blocks thrive on suffocating space, but Simons’ technical brilliance makes him a nightmare in confined areas. His close control, quick feet, and vision allow him to thread passes through narrow gaps or take on defenders in one-on-one situations.
At RB Leipzig, he recorded 20 assists in 57 Bundesliga games, often unlocking defenses with precise, risk-taking passes. For Chelsea, this could mean finding Juan Pedro or Liam Delap on a well-timed run or setting up Palmer for a long-range strike, bypassing the massed ranks of a low block.
One of Chelsea’s issues against low blocks is a lack of players who can carry the ball forward and commit defenders, forcing them out of their shape. Simons’ dribbling ability evident in his 4.2 successful dribbles per 90 minutes at PSV makes him a line-breaker.
He can drive at defenders, drawing fouls or creating space for others. Picture Simons receiving the ball on the left, cutting inside, and either slipping a pass to a runner or drawing a defender to open space for a winger like Jamie Gittens. This unpredictability could disrupt the rhythm of teams that rely on sitting deep and absorbing pressure.
Simons’ arrival could spark dynamic partnerships in Chelsea’s attack. Pairing him with Cole Palmer, whose vision and finishing are already key to Chelsea’s attack, could create a devastating creative hub. Simons’ ability to play quick one-twos or deliver diagonal passes could complement Palmer’s knack for finding space in the final third.
Similarly, his interplay with Enzo Fernandez, who thrives in deeper playmaking roles, could see Chelsea carve open low blocks with intricate passing triangles. Against a team like Burnley, who often deploy a 5-4-1, Simons’ movement and passing could pull midfielders out of position, creating openings for runners like Delap or Joao pedro.
Simons has already shown he can dismantle defensive setups. At PSV, he notched 19 goals and 12 assists in 34 Eredivisie games, often against teams employing low blocks in an attempt to frustrate PSV’s attacking dominance. His performance in Leipzig’s 3-0 friendly win over ZFC Meuselwitz in 2024 highlighted his ability to dominate compact defenses, scoring and assisting with ease. These displays suggest he could replicate this impact at Chelsea, particularly in matches where opponents cede possession and invite pressure.
Xavi Simons could fit into Marescá’s system as a dynamic central midfielder or an advanced playmaker, depending on the tactical approach employed. Marescá tends to value possession-based football, positioning players to control the tempo and create attacking opportunities through fluid ball movement.
In this context, Simons’ technical proficiency, dribbling ability, and vision allow him to operate as a central or slightly advanced midfielder who can link defense and attack seamlessly.
He could be tasked with orchestrating play from the deeper midfield roles, distributing the ball accurately, and breaking lines with insightful passes.
Alternatively, as an attacking midfielder, Simons can exploit spaces behind the opposition’s midfield line, making darting runs into the box or providing through balls to forwards, leveraging his agility and creative instincts.
His versatility also enables him to adapt to different phases of play, pressing aggressively when out of possession and initiating counter-attacks swiftly.
Tactically, his inclusion would enhance the team’s transition fluidity and attacking variety, fitting well into Marescá’s possession-centric philosophy by maintaining control, dictating tempo, and unlocking defenses with clever, incisive passes.
This is my indepth comparison to other players Chelsea have been linked with, such as Morgan Rogers and Alejandro Garnacho before I make my conclusion.
Position: Attacking midfielder / Winger
Strengths: Simons is a versatile, technically gifted player with excellent dribbling, vision, and creativity. He’s comfortable in central or wide roles, making him adaptable to different systems. His ability to link play and create chances is a standout feature.
Potential Fit at Chelsea: Simons could thrive in a dynamic, possession-based system like Chelsea’s. His versatility allows him to play in multiple attacking roles, which would be valuable for squad depth and tactical flexibility. He’s also young (22 in 2025) with room to grow.
Weaknesses: While talented, Simons may still need to improve his physicality and consistency at the highest level, especially in the Premier League.
Position: Winger / Forward
Strengths: Rogers is a powerful, direct winger with good pace and dribbling ability. He’s strong in 1v1 situations and can be a threat in transition.
Potential Fit at Chelsea: Rogers could add pace and width to Chelsea’s attack, especially in counter-attacking scenarios. However, he’s less polished technically compared to Simons and may not suit a possession-heavy system as well.
Weaknesses: Rogers is still raw and lacks the tactical discipline and creativity of Simons. His decision-making in the final third can be inconsistent.
Position: Winger
Strengths: Garnacho is a flair player with explosive pace, excellent dribbling, and a knack for scoring goals. He’s fearless in taking on defenders and has a high ceiling.
Potential Fit at Chelsea: Garnacho would bring excitement and directness to Chelsea’s attack. His ability to stretch defenses and create chances from wide areas would be valuable. However, he’s more of a traditional winger and less versatile than Simons.
Weaknesses: Garnacho can be inconsistent and sometimes lacks defensive work rate. He’s also less experienced than Simons.
Simons can play multiple roles (AM, winger, false nine), making him more adaptable to Chelsea’s tactical needs.
Simons’ vision and passing ability make him a better fit for a possession-based system, where Chelsea often dominate the ball.
Experience Simons has more top-level experience (e.g., Bundesliga, Eredivisie) compared to Rogers and Garnacho, who are still developing.
Simons may struggle with the physical demands of the Premier League compared to Rogers, who is more robust.
| PLAYER | Mins played | GOALS | ASSISTS | Dribbles per 90 | chances created |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xavi Simons | 2157 | 10 | 6 | 3.51 | 50 |
| Garnacho | 2196 | 6 | 2 | 3.20 | 37 |
| Morgan Rodgers | 3131 | 8 | 10 | 3.90 | 51 |
Xavi Simons is arguably the most well-rounded and tactically flexible option among the three. His creativity and versatility make him a strong fit for Chelsea’s system, though he may lack the physicality or directness of Rogers and Garnacho.
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