Micky van de Ven believes Xavi Simons could be the solution to the creative flatness threatening to undermine Tottenham’s start to the season. “He’s a really good player,” said Van de Ven, who headed Spurs’ first goal. Tuesday was the only one of the three in which Spurs really looked second-best. View image in fullscreen Micky van de Ven, right, runs the ball back to the centre spot after pulling a goal back in Norway. after newsletter promotionWith Cristian Romero absent, Van de Ven captained Spurs for the first time and he looks certain to be part of a leadership group that Frank will name on Thursday.