Xavi Simons’ stock just keeps rising. A highly-rated midfielder or left-sided player at all the club’s he’s journeyed to, Simons’ work rate and offensive contributions have landed him among Europe’s elite. The attacker grew into his own and began to flourish for the Netherlands at Euro 2024 and never looked back, finding ways to pop up outside the area and lash in a powerful shot or pick out the pass that keeps the offense clicking. With his first name on the back of his jersey, it’s no secret who Xavi is trying to emulate, either.