Jurrien Timber has not just been one of our most in-form players for Arsenal, but arguably one of the best in the Premier League as well. Very few have matched his contributions in both the attacking and defensive thirds this campaign, and he is finally gaining recognition after going under the radar last season. He is a robust operator, but it is his efforts in attack that have really stood out, constantly threatening the opposition backline with his relentless running. As a result of his performances, many have labelled him the best full-back in the league and looking at the numbers, it is hard to disagree.
Timber’s Standout Numbers
Considering his all-round capabilities, it is no surprise that he leads the way in several attacking and defensive metrics. In the attacking phase of play, Timber ranks fourth among Premier League full-backs for touches this campaign with 408. More impressively, he tops the list for touches in the opposition’s 18-yard box with 24, which is eight more than any other left or right full-back. The 24-year-old also leads the way for open-play chances created with eight, underlining his attacking intent this campaign.
His penalty win against West Ham last time out made him the only full-back to have won a penalty in the league so far. Importantly, he has turned his underlying attacking statistics into tangible output, registering two goals and one assist in the first seven Premier League games.
Defensively, Timber has been equally solid. He ranks second among full-backs and third overall for tackles attempted with 25, boasting an impressive success rate of 86.2 per cent. He has been dribbled past just four times all season, further showing his defensive reliability.
The Full-Back Shift
There has been a noticeable shift in how our full-backs operate this season and it has paid dividends. Like Timber, Riccardo Calafiori has been equally impressive in attack. Our possession structure now gives them the licence to influence the attack, as reflected in their advanced positions throughout games.
Timber has often drifted beyond his right-winger, forming an attacking quintet when we are in possession, while Calafiori regularly exploits space on the opposite flank. Their combined influence has added an extra dimension to Arsenal’s forward play and looks set to be crucial for the rest of the campaign.
The pair have been impactful so far and look ready to play a decisive role in our push for success this season.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Benjamin Kenneth
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Probably the best now playing in his position base on current form.
Oh how much he has proven Dutch legend, Marco Van Bastian wrong
He has really been immense since shaking off is injury earlier on when he joined Arsenal, I would only wish him to have a long stay at arsenal and many trophies to come his way,most likely arsenal will win epl this season because it’s almost written in the wind that they arsenal will win.
Not impressed with his form last season, but improving with every game, especially when coming forward. He has now made Ben White look redundant. Could be our MVP, if he has some luck with injuries.
He’s obviously a high-level footballer, as shown by his quick and astute decision making, which is similar to Salah in his prime
Morgan Rogers is another player with similar quick thinking ability. We could’ve gotten him with the £68m money
I was sceptical on him being our RB ahead of BW.
Never questioned his ability bit the understanding of playing with saka who i still see as our most important player.
BW,BSand MO had a unique understanding amongst themselves, which made us so strong when they aged together ❤️. Injury had robbed us of that and now JT has but that up and is a beast in that position for us
His recovery is 2nd to none and going forward is just as dangerous
He still young and can only get better which will be scary for the opposition
Currently can’t see BW dislodging him but what a wonderful place to be in having a quality no.2 to step in when needed
Onwards and upwards
I saw an interview with Jack Wilshere a few days back, and he said from his view, Timber is the most important player in our team at present.
I don’t think I would go that far, but he would be in my top 3 I think.
From what I can see,Arteta views our fullbacks as the solution against low block teams. Both Timber and Calafiori are taking very advanced positions and it’s not a surprise that they have arguably been two of our best players.
Why we skip Timber then in the monthly and yearly nominations and prizes? He’s truly the unsung hero of the team. He didn’t get credit for winning the penalty v West Ham which Saka went to score and kill the contest. Timber is end to end. He is not going for adulations just he’s regularly doing his job. He has down to earth humble mentality. He shuns away from public and media fanfares. His early unfortunate start with a long term injury at Arsenal may have dampened his flamboyance.