Forgotten Chelsea Talent Quietly Turning Into One of League One's Best Midfielders

Forgotten Chelsea Talent Quietly Turning Into One of League One's Best Midfielders

We're heading to the North-West, where buoyant Bolton fans had a spring in their step following the end of the summer transfer window. Thirteen new faces arrived at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, seeing The Addicks involved in lots of positive business.

With last season's top scorer, Aaron Collins, departing the club for League Two side MK Dons, it left many supporters scratching their heads over the decision. But boss Schumacher and the owners had a vision, which involved restructuring the attack. Sam Dalby was first to sign from Wrexham, before youngster Mason Burstow also joined on loan from Hull City. The latter currently tops the scoring charts in the league with 7 goals.

Other notable incomings were Amario Cozier-Duberry on loan from Brighton, who has been a defender's nightmare down the right side. Occupying the opposite flank has been predominantly Theirry Gale, who joined from Polish side Piast Gliwice for £900k.

Finnish forward Marcus Forss has impressed in recent weeks on loan from Middlesbrough, which comes as no surprise at this level. Max Conway at left back now looks the complete package after having a successful loan spell at Crewe last campaign. Cyrus Christie offers great experience at right back, signing on a free from Swansea.

🏆 You have voted for @maxconway47 as your @bolton_kia Player of the Month for September!

Congratulations and well deserved, Max 👏💫#bwfc

— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) October 7, 2025

For all of Bolton's attacking flair and ability, it's a player that dictates the midfield who is the secret behind their recent success. Xavier Simons rarely gets the plaudits when his team play well, but the former Chelsea youth star has a tendency to control games with his range of passing, particularly into forward areas, often starting off attacks.

Simons is the Real Deal

Signing for £400k from Hull City in the summer, Wanderers were impressed by Simons in his short loan spell with Wycombe last season as the Chairboys reached the play-offs. During his spell he would often play in a more advanced role, but at Bolton, whilst he is given licence to get forward when he can, his main responsibility is to protect his back four, which he has been doing brilliantly.

Of course it is not all sunshine and roses, as Bolton currently sit in 8th place in League One, and their away form is a problem, with both of their losses in the league coming on the road this season. But Simons is the one constant in the starting lineup, who quietly mops up in the middle, letting the attacking line work their magic.

✍️ Bolton Wanderers is delighted to announce the signing of Xavier Simons on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

Great to have you on board, Xavier! 🤩#bwfc

— Bolton Wanderers (@OfficialBWFC) June 12, 2025

Simons has been partnered with three different midfielders this season. Erhahon signed from Lincoln with Sheehan and Morley already at the club. With the calmness about Simons, someone who provides great energy is welcomed alongside him. Sheehan will make third-man runs all day, which frees up space for Simons and spreads the opposition. Erhahon and Morley are a bit more reserved, providing a better balance in the middle if facing a midfield three.

In Bolton's recent win against Peterborough, Simons was pivotal in both of the goals. His vision and switch of play to the right wing was where the opening goal came from. The pace on the ball was just enough so that the defender had no chance of getting over to block the cross, before Burstow dispatched it brilliantly.

The second goal was a swift counterattack, which started with Bolton's Number 4 once again. This time he played a clever ball from his own half into Cozier-Duberry taking two Posh players out of the game in the process, which led to the Addicks' second. He almost topped off an excellent performance with a goal of his own in the second half as he rattled the bar from distance.

Back to the Chelsea Days

The midfielder spent five years in the Chelsea academy, but it was Brentford where he first began his footballing career at a young age. His most consistent season in the youth setup came in 2021/22 when he appeared 20 times for Chelsea in Premier League 2. Some impressive UEFA Youth League and EFL Trophy performances warranted a debut in the first team.

Ironically this came against the Bees in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, with Simons starting the game at right wing. Now England boss Thomas Tuchel was to thank for handing the now 22-year-old his debut for the Blues, but that would be the only chance that he would get at Stamford Bridge.

Congratulations to Xavier Simons, who has celebrated his 17th birthday this week by signing his first professional contract. #CFC pic.twitter.com/hlU9RjxNOz

— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) February 21, 2020

He did continue to impress in the U21s, however, and would even captain the side on occasion, in a side which included his Bolton teammate Mason Burstow. Also featured were Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson, who have gone on to be stars in the English top flight.

Hull City were quickest to the youngster's signature in 2023, and after an initial loan to Fleetwood, he would make 20 Championship appearances for the Tigers last season. He managed two goals in that time and would be shipped out to Wycombe in February for the remainder of the season.

He helped guide Mike Dodds' men to a 5th place finish in a brilliant season for the club. Charlton just came out on top as 1-0 victors in the second leg of the play-off semi-final at The Valley. Simons saw his second-half effort blocked in a golden chance to give his side the lead. He didn't score a single goal and only registered one assist in the league for Wycombe. Playing in a more advanced role, he should have warranted a better return on reflection.

🆕 Xavier Simons is the newest recruit at Wycombe Wanderers, arriving from Hull City on a loan deal until the end of the season! pic.twitter.com/nvjvwk7cF6

— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) February 3, 2025

Why Bolton Are Smart

Bolton were waiting patiently in the shadows for the transfer window to open in the summer. They fended off interest from Blackpool to sign the Hammersmith-born Simons.

The low fee made it a risk worth taking, but Bolton knew all along the underlying qualities that Simons possessed. He'd also had both Championship and League One experience with regular game time, so there was the reassurance that he had the experience and enough maturity to be a constant in the side.

He is now playing in his best position as a number six. Wanderers knew that Simons technically is as good as any player in the league and that by occupying him in a deeper role, they would make sure he could see more of the game in front of him. It is from this position that the midfielder is most dangerous with his power in possession and deceptive speed to get his team up the pitch.

💪 Xavier Simons has big aspirations at Bolton

🔊 Listen to the Bolton midfielder on joining the club, season goals and more

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— BBC Sport Manchester (@BBCRMsport) August 8, 2025

He is always scanning who is around him when he does have the ball. You'll often find he has lots of space on the edge of the box where he can be most effective to switch the play or even take a shot. Despite not having a goal contribution this season, he's been integral in his side's defensive record, conceding the fifth least in the league thus far.

He has won 72.7% of his aerial duels (Fotmob) putting his 6 ft 0 frame to good use, and his 46 recoveries show his ability to win the ball back consistently for his team. He can also take corners and free kicks, showing his technical ability in attacking situations.

The feeling around the club is that they have a squad who are ready to challenge for promotion this season. Simons has transformed the dynamic of the Bolton midfield and is turning into one of the league's most consistent performers in his position.