Xavi Simons just paid a massive compliment to Arsenal's most underrated player

Xavi Simons has paid a massive compliment to one of Arsenal's most underrated players, defender Jurrien Timber.

In a behind-the-scenes interview with Pro Direct Soccer, the Dutch international said his fellow countryman is the toughest opponent he has faced on the pitch.

It's always great to see Gunners players get the praise they deserve and Timber is the latest to be applauded for his efforts.

Xavi Simons names Jurrien Timber as his toughest opponent

Simons and Timber are certainly familiar with one another having shared the pitch on a number of occasions in recent years.

The duo have played together six times since 2022, with each of those joint appearances coming for the Netherlands national team.

They have also faced off on six occasions, meeting on a number of occasions during their time playing for Ajax and PSV in their home nation before going head to head in two North London derbies this campaign.

Timber got the better of Simons in both matches as Arsenal ran out 4-1 winners against their arch-rivals Tottenham both at the Emirates Stadium and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the former grabbing an assist in each match.

Simons appeared as a substitute in the red half of North London, playing the entire second-half as Eberechi Eze completed an historic hat-trick to seal the win for the hosts. He started in the return fixture at the home of his club, but put in a lacklustre performance as he was dealt with well by his international teammate.

It is highly likely this game is the primary reason Simons named Timber as the toughest opponent he has faced with the Dutchman's defensive brilliance preventing his familiar foe from having any real impact on the game.

Since joining Arsenal in 2023, Timber has grown to be one of their best, yet underrated, players and it is great to see him getting the praise he thourougly deserves, especially with those compliments coming from a rival.