Xavi Simons shines at Leipzig: 'That's what I dreamed of as a young boy'

Simons was responsible for the opening goal at the Rajko Mitic Stadium after eight minutes. In the first encounter with Red Star, the Dutch international had also found the net. Loïs Openda scored the second goal for the current number five in the Bundesliga, which, like Manchester City in Group G, is already assured of the knockout phase after four matches.

According to Simons, it was not an easy evening for Leipzig in Belgrade. "The conditions were very tough, also because of their enthusiastic fans. We had already become acquainted with them at our home game," said the former PSV player after the win. "The atmosphere in the stadium was impressive, but we did our homework well again and have progressed to the next round."

The Paris Saint-Germain loanee is looking forward to the continuation in the Champions League. "I want to show myself at the highest level and compare myself with the best players in the world. That's what I dreamed of as a young boy. That's why I came to Leipzig. I can continue to improve here," said Simons, who this season has two goals in the Champions League and three in the Bundesliga. He has also provided seven assists in seventeen official matches.

Compliment

Former assistant national coach Danny Blind, serving as an analyst for Ziggo Sport, was impressed by Simons' development, who featured for the Netherlands national team at the World Cup in Qatar. "I think Xavi has made a good choice to go to Leipzig. Also because of the way they like to play, often with a double '10'. That always gives Xavi opportunities to be frequently involved with the ball. We know his qualities from the Eredivisie, and now he's also showing at a higher level that he's efficient with goals and assists. Xavi is a good player and hopefully will be important for the Dutch national team soon."