Simons impressed in Spurs' 2-2 Premier League draw with Brighton on Saturday, assisting Pedro Porro for the opening goal before scoring with a 77th-minute strike. However, Georginio Rutter equalised deep into stoppage time to deny Tottenham a first league win of 2026.
Speaking after the match, De Zerbi said his own experience as an attacking midfielder has helped him build an immediate rapport with the 22-year-old.
"He's lucky to work with me - not because I'm good, but because I was a number 10," De Zerbi said. "What he thinks now, I thought 20 years ago. So we have a special connection."
De Zerbi added that players in Simons' position must contribute decisively in the final third.
"A number 10 has to understand that he has to score and he has to make assists, not just play to be nice - goals and assists," said the Italian tactician,
Simons, who joined Spurs from RB Leipzig last summer, has registered two goals and five assists in 27 league appearances this season.
De Zerbi praised his performance against Brighton but said there is still room for improvement.
"He played very well, a great game. I think he can play better and better because a player like this needs to feel confidence from the manager, and I stay here to give him that," concluded the former Brighton boss.
Tottenham remain in the relegation zone after taking one point from De Zerbi's first two matches in charge, following his recent appointment. They face Wolves away on Saturday as they continue their fight for Premier League survival.
