Former Tottenham player in awe after watching Arsenal star on international duty, ‘his level…’

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A former Tottenham player has crossed enemy lines to praise one Arsenal star’s form on international duty.

There are several Arsenal players on international duty over the October break as the World Cup Qualifiers continue.

When domestic play resumes, the Arsenal squad have a busy schedule to tend to, with full focus needed as the Gunners sit top of the Premier League table.

If what Mikel Arteta has seen over the international break is anything to go by, then the North Londoners will be raring to go again, with one player thriving on duty with his country.

Jurrien Timber has been starring at centre-back for the Netherlands, with performances that even rivals are taking notice of.

• READ MORE: Arsenal fans can’t stop talking about what ‘ridiculous’ player is doing on international duty

Rafael van der Vaart reacts to Jurrien Timber’s form on international duty 

Tottenham and Arsenal’s rivalry has players who retired years ago still carrying a hatred for the other club. 

Rafael van der Vaart loves to share a controversial opinion on Arsenal every now and then, but after the Netherlands’ win over Finland, the former Spurs forward changed his tune.

Van Der Vaart was speaking on NOS after the win, as transcribed by Voetbalprimeur, when he showed full support for Timber in the race to partner Virgil van Dijk at the 2026 World Cup. 

“It’s a bit of a form-of-the-day thing, Virgil van Dijk is the number one, he’s always there. If Timber is truly in form the way he’s playing, I think few can match his level,” Van Der Vaart said.

Van Dijk enjoyed playing alongside Timber, and the pundit also shared glowing praise for the Arsenal star.

“With and without the ball, also in terms of speed, turning and turning. That makes more sense at the moment,” the ex-Tottenham man admitted.

Van Der Vaart even went as far as to defend Timber’s claim to the starting XI, as fellow pundit Pierre van Hooijdonk shared his uncertainty.

“We’ve played against Malta and Finland,” Van Hooijdonk sighed.

“If you’re playing for Arsenal, if he’s really in top form, then I think he’s a logical choice,” Van Der Vaart argued. 

Timber’s performance against Finland in numbers

It’s rare to hear something positive about Arsenal coming out of Van Der Vaart’s mouth, so what did Timber do to leave the pundit so spellbound?

The Netherlands’ win over Malta certainly helped the ex-Spurs player’s case with Timber, as the Arsenal defender earned two clean sheets from two starts over the break.

The 24-year-old was only given an hour to impress against Finland, but what he did in that time epitomised what makes him so highly rated. 

Timber was a force to be reckoned with in attack as well as defence, firing one shot on target as well as completing 95% of his passes.

At the back, the Arsenal star won 100% of his aerial duels and also contributed to four defensive actions. 

It was an international break to remember for Timber, who is going from strength to strength for club and country.