Two former Premier League players criticized Tottenham's £52 million signing of Harvey Simmons because of the player's poor performance this season.
Despite being fifth in the Premier League, Tottenham were booed by fans at home after losing to London rivals Chelsea on Saturday. Head coach Frank spent more than 185 million pounds in the summer transfer window, but many new players have difficulty adapting to life in north London, especially the high-profile Simmons.
Tottenham desperately needed to sign a new No. 10 player, but Simmons was not their first choice. They only turned to the Leipzig Red Bull star after failing to sign White and Eze.
Nevertheless, signing the highly-rated Dutchman is seen as a major achievement for Spurs, with Simmons being pursued by Chelsea all summer. However, in 12 games this season, Simmons has no goals and only one assist.
In the game against Chelsea, Simmons came on as a substitute. However, it was his risky pass and sloppy return that were intercepted by Caicedo, and eventually assisted Joao Pedro to score the game-winning goal.
Former Tottenham player O'Hara severely criticized Simmons on talkSPORT: "It feels like we signed an Anthony," he was referring to Manchester United's failed signing of 82 million pounds. "Simmons, I'm tired of him. He keeps losing the ball and is weak and Caicedo steals the ball from him easily."
Things got worse for the 22-year-old Simons, who was brought on and then taken off against Chelsea. Based on his performance at Tottenham, Chelsea will be glad they did not sign the attacking midfielder.
Leboeuf said Tottenham overestimated the players they signed. "Simmons only had one good season at Leipzig - not before PSG, which was mediocre and then Leipzig sold to Tottenham for £52m," the former Chelsea defender told ESPN.
"What do you expect? Do you expect these players who have only played one good season to be game-changers? People are dreaming, I don't understand."
Leboeuf's evaluation of Simmons seems a bit harsh. After all, he contributed 19 goals in 33 games last season, and 25 goals in 43 games in his first season at Leipzig.
Simmons will get a chance at redemption when Tottenham host Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday.