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BREAKING NEWS ‼️: “I have played against Reece James and Achraf Hakimi so many time, but that Arsenal player gave me the most difficult game of my career”: Vinicius Junior names ONE Arsenal’s defender as the most difficult opponent he has ever faced.
Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior has heaped praise on Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber following their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash, admitting that the Dutchman was one of the toughest opponents he has faced in recent times.
The Brazilian winger, known for his blistering pace and devastating dribbling, found space hard to come by as Timber delivered a composed and resilient defensive display on Europe’s biggest stage.
After the match, Vinícius reportedly acknowledged Timber’s impact during their one-on-one battles, offering rare praise for a defender who managed to neutralize much of his threat. Speaking in post-match comments, the Real Madrid forward said:
“I have played against many top defenders in Europe, but Timber surprised me. He was strong, fast, and very intelligent in the way he defended. He didn’t give me space, and that made the game very difficult.”
The duel between the two players quickly became one of the most talked-about aspects of the match. Time and again, Vinícius attempted to isolate Timber on the flank, only to be met with well-timed tackles, clever positioning, and calm recovery runs. Rather than diving in, Timber showed maturity beyond his years, forcing the Brazilian wide and limiting his opportunities to cut inside.
Vinícius went on to highlight Timber’s balance between physicality and composure, qualities that are essential at Champions League level.
“What impressed me most was his calmness,” Vinícius added. “Some defenders panic when you run at them, but he stayed focused. He defended well and also played with confidence when Arsenal had the ball.”
For Timber, the praise marks a significant moment in his Arsenal career. Still adapting to life in the Premier League and recently returning from injury, the Dutch international delivered a performance that reinforced why Arsenal invested heavily in him. Manager Mikel Arteta has consistently praised Timber’s versatility and mentality, and this display against Real Madrid appeared to validate that trust.
Vinícius also acknowledged Arsenal’s overall defensive organization, but made it clear that Timber stood out.
“Arsenal defended as a team, but Timber was special in our battles. These are the kinds of matches that show who is ready for this level,” the Brazilian said.
Such comments underline Arsenal’s growing reputation in European competition. With young defenders like Timber stepping up against world-class attackers, the club continues to demonstrate its progress under Arteta’s leadership.
While the match itself will be remembered for its intensity and tactical intrigue, the individual battle between Vinícius Júnior and Jurrien Timber offered a compelling subplot. And when a player of Vinícius’ calibre openly praises an opponent, it serves as a powerful endorsement.
For Timber, earning respect from one of football’s most feared wingers is more than just a compliment—it is a statement that he belongs among Europe’s elite defenders.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Man City (Szoboszlai, 74)
HE’S DONE IT AGAIN!
An absolutely sensational free-kick goal from Dominik Szoboszlai. This one might be even better than the one against Arsenal.
From a central position, around 25 yards out, it’s an absolutely sensational hit which swerves out of reach of Donnarumma, who doesn’t even dive, and slams into the net off the post.
Amazing. And what could that mean for the title race? Arsenal staying nine points clear as it stands.
GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Man City (Szoboszlai, 74)
HE’S DONE IT AGAIN!
An absolutely sensational free-kick goal from Dominik Szoboszlai. This one might be even better than the one against Arsenal.
From a central position, around 25 yards out, it’s an absolutely sensational hit which swerves out of reach of Donnarumma, who doesn’t even dive, and slams into the net off the post.
Amazing. And what could that mean for the title race? Arsenal staying nine points clear as it stLiverpool vs Man City LIVE! Premier League match updates, news, score, stream and highlights – live on Sky Sports
Sunday 8 February 2026 18:05, UK
Second Half: Liverpool 1-0 Man City – live on Sky
Szoboszlai scores OUTRAGEOUS free-kick! View post
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Ekitike missed huge chance as Liverpool came to life View post | Teams
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Liverpool vs Man City LIVE! Premier League match updates, news, score, stream and highlights – live on Sky Sports
Sunday 8 February 2026 16:30, UK
First Half: Liverpool 0-0 Man City – live on Sky
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Updates, tables and teams
Alisson denies Haaland early opener
Title-chasing Man City face huge test at Anfield | Teams
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Liverpool FC team news vs. Man City: 6 defenders unavailable for Arne Slot
Liverpool have six defenders unavailable for their game against Man City, with Arne Slot‘s hand forced at centre-back and right-back.
Liverpool are down to their bare bones at the back, with six defenders unable to start as the Reds try to keep pace with their top-four competitors in the Premier League.
Liverpool Injury & Absentee List
PlayerInjury TypeStatusExpected ReturnJoe GomezKneeDoubtMan City (H)Jeremie FrimpongGroinUnavailableEarly MarchConor BradleyKnee (Surgery)UnavailablePre-season 2026Giovanni LeoniACL (Surgery)UnavailableNext seasonAlexander IsakFibula FractureUnavailableLate MarchStefan BajceticHamstringRehabLate FebruaryJayden DannsHamstringRehabFebruaryWellity LuckyHamstringUnavailableApril
Joe Gomez‘s fitness is the main talking point ahead of the match at Anfield, given his presence would provide cover at centre-back and full-back.
He didn’t train on Thursday, though, and Slot explained: “We have a little bit of hope that he might train on Saturday.
“So not available to start, but maybe available to help the team if needed during the game because, as you know, there are not that many defenders available at the moment.”
With Giovanni Leoni out until next season, academy defenders Amara Nallo and Wellity Lucky have made the bench in the Premier League a combined five times this season.
The latter is injured, however, so unable to come in against Man City.
Nallo got injured during Tuesday’s UEFA Youth League exit to MSK Zilina, but was named to start for the U21s on Saturday, meaning he will not be available at Anfield.
As for Lucky’s injury, the 20-year-old is set to be sidelined until April due to a hamstring injury sustained in training midway through January.
Also on Liverpool’s list of absentees is right-back Conor Bradley, who will miss the rest of the campaign.
Like Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong is currently injured but his outlook is more positive than his teammate’s.
Slot gave a brief update on the flying Dutchman’s fitness, saying he “will definitely not train this week” due to his ongoing groin problem.
With Nallo featuring at academy level, Liverpool will be without six defensive options against Man City.
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Liverpool Predicted XI vs. Man City: Szoboszlai right-back, no start for Jones
Liverpool’s available squad vs. Man City
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman
Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Robertson, Ramsay
Midfielders: Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister, Endo, Nyoni
Forwards: Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike, Ngumoha, Chiesa
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