Rangers transfer linked Xavi Simons scouted as wonderkid makes PSG debut with Kylian Mbappé

Securing his signature appears optimistic at the outset, the Mino Raiola-managed 18-year-old is undoubtedly involved in a political contract negotiation. His current deal with the French giants expires in the summer and although his first-team appearances have been scarce, the 3.7 million Instagram followers he boasts underlines a significant profile.

In saying that, players have moved from PSG to the Scottish Premiership recently in Odsonne Edouard and Timothy Weah. Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s stature, like his predecessor, could play a factor in enticing his talented countryman with the promise of first-team football. There is a very real prospect of the Champions League lure next season as well.

Simons made his first PSG start this month in the Coupe de France following a promising UEFA Youth League campaign with three goals and six assists in as many matches.

The Rangers Review watched his 90 minute-showing to determine exactly the type of player linked to Glasgow’s southside.

Feignies Aulnoye, who play in the fifth tier of French football, hosted PSG for the cup encounter. The visitors named a strong team, with Mbappe, Icardi, Ramos, Kimpeme and Veratti all playing from the start.

Simons started from the right of midfield and alternated between two main areas on the pitch.

Depending on the structure surrounding him, he either remained wide to receive before playing infield or drifted into the half-space if not required to maintain width.

Simons remains wide with enough PSG bodies central.

Simons moves infield as support arrives on the right wing.

The midfielder spent some of the second half playing from the left, as demonstrated in his actions map.

His tactical intelligence was evident throughout. Recognising, as above, what was required of his role at all times. When to open space for others, when to create overloads and how to use the ball in particular moments. For a player making his first professional start, he quickly acclimatised to the demands set before him.

Sergio Ramos plays a progressive pass early on to Simons who drifts infield, recognising his team need him to assist the build-up instead of providing width.

Checking his shoulder in the first frame informs his decision in the next. Playing into his right-back before exploiting the space in front of him to open central pockets.

In the build-up to PSG's third and final goal of the game, Simons' recognised the need for the alternative. Moving wide to help his team up the pitch and playing a key pass that would lead to Mbappe's second.

Consistently throughout as PSG sought avenues through their compact opponent, Simons made tempo-setting movements to progress play.

READ MORE: How Rangers' underlapping James Tavernier upsets metronomic block and opens 'right-wing runway'

Again the recipient of a Ramos progressive pass, he moves out of the shadow of a home midfielder before playing a one-touch backwards pass and opening space for Mbappe to run into.

Simons is in the eye line (or cover shadow) of the midfielder who protects the highlighted space with his body shape.

However, Simons quickly darts infield to trigger the movement of Mbappe. Ramos does well to disguise his pass by opening then closing his hips.

The final pass by Ebimbe failed to find Mbappe, but this synchronized movement reveals plenty about Simons’ footballing heritage and style.

He possesses a clearly-refined understanding of ‘finding the third man’.

Kyle Walker recently explained how Pep Guardiola wants his players to find the third man instead of receiving on the half-turn and driving at defences. Simons is schooled in the same school of thought having come through Barcelona’s La Masia academy.

What does it mean to find the third man? Look at the first 10 seconds of this Man City training video. A forward pass and a backwards lay-off are made which triggers the run in behind. The initial pass is made with the intention of finding the third man.

It’s also known as the 'up, back, through' combination.

Throughout the game Simons’ intelligent, quick combination play saw him fulfil all three aspects of the up, back, through move.

The high volume of backwards and sidewards passes he made further underlines this propensity to facility interplay.

Simons' pass map from PSG's 3-0 win over Feignies Aulnoye.

Here, he plays the 'through' pass instead of trying to dribble beyond.

When the time came to release possession quickly instead of creating overloads, Simons obliged.

In this example, Simons notices space to exploit prior to receiving.

Reversing the ball first time with the outside of his boot.

Late in the game as three players close in a superb first touch buys space. By not showing side on he protects the ball.

His ambition when receiving possession wide was always to combine. Whether that be through driving into space and playing one-twos. Or by initiating rotations which could open up one of the referenced 'up, back, through' movements.

In this instance, he uses his first touch to push infield before combining with Icardi.

Earlier in the game, his preference to combine rather than take players on is again clear. Notice the space up the wing available.

READ MORE: Rangers transfer linked Pablo Torre scouted: Should club target deep-lying attacker with action-man hips?

Simons utilises combination play instead of attempting to drive around the defence. The potential for an overload, third man run or 'up, back, through' moment presents.

Despite playing a fifth-tier opponent, Simons' inclusion alone alongside the likes of Mbappe and co outlines his level. Analysis of his combination play in particular is a barometer of his high technical ceiling.

Rangers' rumoured links may indeed be ambitious, but they are not improbable as outlined above. Simons' debut is a sign of great things to come. Where those achievements will arrive remains unknown.