Netherlands national team boss Ronald Koeman believes Xavi Simons should stay at PSV for at least another season. Simons joined PSV from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and has been sensational ever since he stepped foot in the Philips Stadion. The 20-year-old is the Eredivisie’s joint-top scorer with 15 goals and 8 assists in 30 appearances. He added to his tally on Sunday with a goal from the penalty spot and an assist in PSV’s 3-0 victory over Ajax.Â
The youngster’s phenomenal form creates regular discussions surrounding his future. All season he’s had the eyes of other top European clubs on him, but Netherlands national team manager Ronald Koeman believes he should stay put for at least another season before making a move away from the Eredivisie. Speaking to Studio Voetbal, Koeman said ‘I think Xavi is a boy who weighs up his choices very carefully. The most important thing is that he is playing, you develop the best that way. So I think it’s good if he just stays with PSV for another year.’
Simons made his senior national team debut during last year’s World Cup in Qatar. Louis van Gaal, who was head coach at the time, used Simons as a substitute during the Netherlands’ 3-1 victory over the USA last December. Since Ronald Koeman has returned to the job, Simons has started in both Euro 2024 qualification matches. ‘For the Dutch national team, I now see him mainly as a man for the left side. I think he can grow to the number 10 position, but for now, I see him as a left winger,’ Koeman said.Â
Xavi Simons and PSV have four league games left to play before the end of the season. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side currently find themselves battling for second place, with Ajax tagging along in third. This Sunday PSV and Ajax face each other yet again, this time in the KNVB Cup final. After the weekend’s 3-0 thumping, Xavi Simons will be confident that he can guide his side to silverware.Â
