Thomas and Conor on Xavi's winning mentality: "That's why you want him in your team" | OneFootball

Thomas Frank and Conor Gallagher both talked about Xavi Simons' will to win after another virtuoso display in Sunday's thrilling 2-2 draw against Manchester City.

The Dutch playmaker was the conductor of our fight back from 2-0 down in the second half, not just driving us forward and pulling the string in the final third, but showing that tenacity that team-mates and fans alike love to see.

Xavi played in Destiny Udogie, denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma, before providing a picture-book pass with the outside of his right foot to set up Dominic Solanke's first goal on 53 minutes, crucially getting us back into the game.

Dominic's scorpion kick then levelled the scores in spectacular fashion on 70 minutes and soon after, Xavi was central to two Donnarumma saves in 60 seconds, first up, finding Wilson Odobert, denied by the goalkeeper's feet, then his own 20-yard dipper tipped over at full stretch. Xavi was then so close to setting up Wilson, a dart to the left byline and cross that Wilson couldn't quite get to in front of goal.

Asked about Xavi's growing influence afterwards, Thomas told us: "Xavi's a winner, a big winner. He's very creative and I think we see more and more of his creative side, but also the winner, the mentality to want to land on second balls, to do the counter-press, to win the duels, which is part of football as well. Then, when he just runs at the goal, that's why he's electric and showing moments. He's really grown."

Conor added: "He's brilliant player. He's one of those guys that you want on your team. He works so hard and he just wants to win. He has a lot of passion to give and obviously a lot of quality as well. He's only going to get better, he's top."

Asked about Xavi's sheer apetite for the game, Conor added: "Exactly. You can see it. That's why you want him in your team. He wants to get on the ball, he'll run forward, he'll create chances and he'll score. He's great."