**Vinícius Júnior Heaps Praise on Jurrien Timber After Arsenal’s Stunning 3-0 Victory Over Real Madrid**
Despite Real Madrid’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, Vinícius Júnior took a moment to recognize the standout performance of one Arsenal player who, in his words, “truly deserves the credit.”
Speaking after the match, Vinícius expressed admiration for Dutch defender Jurrien Timber, calling him the foundational figure in Arsenal’s dominant display and even hinting at a future ambition:
> *“Although we lost, that won’t stop me from praising the one who really made the difference. Timber is the bedrock of this Arsenal team, and I’d be honored to share the pitch with him one day.”*
The Brazilian winger, known for his blistering pace and skill on the ball, struggled to make an impact during the match—largely due to Timber’s relentless defending. Timber, signed from Ajax last summer, was a constant thorn in Madrid’s attack, neutralizing Vinícius’ trademark runs and showing maturity well beyond his years.
> *“Defending against me isn’t easy,” Vinícius added. “But he made it look effortless. He reads the game perfectly—his calmness, positioning, and intelligence are elite.”*
Timber’s performance didn’t just end with solid defending. He was instrumental in launching several Arsenal counter-attacks, contributing to their commanding win. His ability to transition from defense to attack seamlessly showed why he’s becoming a key figure under Mikel Arteta.
In an era often defined by fierce rivalries, Vinícius’ open admiration for Timber is a refreshing reminder of the respect that exists at football’s highest level. As both players continue to rise in their respective careers, fans may dream—just like Vinícius—of one day seeing these two talents on the same team.
Whether that happens or not, one thing is certain: Jurrien Timber’s star is rising, and the football world is taking notice.
