Xavi Simons: What did PSV star say about Barcelona after Arsenal masterclass? | OneFootball

Xavi Simons showed the world what a footballing talent he is on Thursday evening.

The 19-year-old starred in PSV Eindhoven’s convincing 2-0 home win over Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League group stage.

Simons didn’t score or assist in the match, but he was a constant thorn in the Gunners’ side, especially when supported by Luuk de Jong after the half-time interval.

The teenage sensation has been in fine form under Ruud van Nistelrooy’s leadership so far this season.

In his 19 appearances across all competitions, Simons has scored 10 goals and assisted a further four.

And judging by the fleet-footed forward’s individual highlights against Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain may end up regretting their decision to let him join PSV on a free transfer this summer.

The kid is special, very special indeed. The silver lining for PSG is that they negotiated a buy-back clause in the deal, which becomes active in 2023.

Simons only made 11 appearances for PSG’s senior side after signing a deal worth around €1 million annually, despite the fact he regularly starred for the club at youth level.

But Simons appears to have learned a heck of a lot from his three years in the French capital, which he made very clear in his post-match interview on Thursday.

After putting Arsenal’s defence to the sword, the Dutchman called out Barcelona, the team he joined way back in 2010 as a seven-year-old and then left for PSG in 2019.

What did Simons say about Barcelona vs PSG?

Simons told ESPN: “Believe me, at Barca they don’t do much work in the gym. They work with the ball, but not in the gym. “When I arrived at Paris Saint-Germain, I found the differences. At PSG they worked in the gym.”

Shots. Fired.

“In Paris you get a completely different life,” Simons added via Voetbalzone. “Ligue 1 is a physically strong competition.

“Then you have to protect yourself and that was one of my goals. Being small doesn’t matter, being strong [does]. I was sixteen when I came to PSG. With all those guys, you notice the difference early on. I train hard and give everything. Football is my life.”

Could Simons make Holland’s 2022 World Cup squad?

After his latest masterclass in PSV colours, you have to think that Louis van Gaal is considering him as a surprise name in his squad for the Qatar World Cup later this year.

“I think I made a good decision by going to PSV. I’m very happy, I think you can see that,” Simons said.

“I will give everything and then it is up to the national coach to decide. It is a dream to participate in go to the World Cup. Who doesn’t want to play a World Cup? But first PSV.”

Van Gaal is known for placing trust in youth, so don’t be surprised if Simons does end up joining teammate Cody Gakpo in Holland’s star-studded squad.