Hearts fan here and by reading some of the comments about Simms, I’m unsure that some posters have even seen him play?
He is rapid for a start, so that debunks the “lack of pace” myth immediately. He’s not unbelievably agile but not many players are with his size and build. Certainly quite raw but seems to be getting better and better every week. Has missed a few big chances but seems to get most of his shots on target as opposed to blazing them over or consistently hitting them wide. He’s been unlucky to not score more during his time at the club. Bare in mind, he’s just scored against Celtic who’d beat most teams 8th and below in the prem. You should watch the cup final on the 21st to see how he gets on against the Europa League finalists.
Has handled the big pressure of playing for Hearts well, a pressure that I doubt he’d be under at many other clubs in the UK in relation to fan demands. He actually comes across very relaxed and composed, considering he is 21 and playing for a big team I think that’s pretty impressive, especially since joining mid-season in January.
In terms of making it for Everton, I’m really not sure as from a personal standpoint I think the English Premier League is very overrated standard wise, bar a few clubs. The tempo of the game is undeniably faster and more intense up in Scotland and Simms has adapted well from the change in styles. Maybe a squad option for Everton but due to the amount of money in the game, I’d guess he’ll be surplus to requirements. Unsure if we could afford him financially both in transfer fee and wages. Hopefully could come to some sort of buyback option at a cut price fee. Ideally a loan next season as opposed to him taking a step-down to join an English Championship club.
He has good movement but can also hold the ball up. I like that he has been instructed by Neilson to stay central most of the time, but he does have the ability to make runs into the channels. With Simms in the side, his presence and link-up play opens up space for our more creative players.
Overall, I think he’d be worth getting a chance in pre-season but from a selfish POV, hopefully he is back at Tynecastle next season, or he can win us the Scottish Cup next season.
