Frank believes Simons has the quality to succeed in the Premier League, but needs to increase his intensity. "Xavi has been with us for seven or eight weeks, which is a short time in football but also a long time," Frank said. "I liked his personality after the first 60 minutes against Aston Villa, but he then tired a bit." Frank wants to see more from Simons, but is confident in his abilities.

Another new arrival, French forward Randal Kolo Muani, is getting closer to his first Premier League start since joining Spurs on a season-long loan from Paris St Germain in September. Muani made his Premier League debut against Villa but has been out with a "dead leg".

Frank is optimistic about Muani's progress, saying, "It's the first time he's had a sustained block of training and minutes. He can't be bombarding 90 minutes again and again, but he can be used, which is good news."

Spurs are currently sixth in the league table with 14 points from eight matches, trailing leaders Arsenal by five. They face 12th-placed Everton on Sunday, looking to bounce back from losses to Villa and a draw with AS Monaco in the Champions League.

Frank respects Everton's team and manager David Moyes, who he has a good relationship with. "I think Everton is a very good team, not just Jack Grealish. A good colleague and friend of mine, David Moyes, is there - someone who I respect a lot, and his teams are always hard to beat."

Spurs will be without captain Cristian Romero due to an adductor strain, but Frank is optimistic about his recovery. "Cuti just walked out on the grass running, positive and progressing, no time frame, but I don't expect it to be a longer one." Frank also mentioned that Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke are making progress in their recoveries.

Spurs will be looking to get back on track against Everton.