In his debut season at the club, the Dutch international suffered a season-ending injury in the very first game of the league campaign. That setback saw him miss the entirety of the season, making only a second-half appearance against Everton on the final day. Despite the disappointment, Jurrien Timber has really kicked on this term. Among Arsenal defenders, only William Saliba has racked up more appearances. Thirty of his 48 appearances have come in the Premier League, where he has solidified his place as Arsenal’s undisputed choice at right-back.
Timber’s return from injury has been nothing short of remarkable
The Dutchman is a strong contender to be named Arsenal’s player of the season due to the consistent level he has maintained. Few wingers have found joy against him, while he has also been a reliable attacking outlet down the right flank. The fact that he came into this campaign off the back of an ACL injury makes his performances even more impressive. Players typically take up to two years to recover fully from such an injury, but Timber returned and reached peak physical condition in almost no time, which is testament to his elite mentality and the way he looks after his body.
The fitness struggles of Ben White have also contributed significantly to Timber’s rise this season, leading us to ask ‘Is Ben White losing his place in the Arsenal team‘. The England international has endured an injury-hit campaign and has not been at full fitness for quite some time. A minor operation was carried out on his knee in November 2024 to address a persistent issue that had been causing discomfort and affecting his performances. That decision kept him out for a few months and, although he has since returned, he is still some way off his best, as reflected in recent matches.
White’s return raises questions about long-term right-back
Before these recurring injuries, Ben White was and still is a key member of the Arsenal squad. That has been the case ever since his arrival, and it became even more evident when he switched to fullback at the start of the 2022-23 season. His partnership with Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard was a driving force in Arsenal’s attack, playing a vital role in recent title pushes. His consistency and availability earned him the nickname “Mr Reliable” among the Arsenal faithful. Looking ahead to next season, White will certainly be aiming to reclaim a place in the starting eleven. However, this raises an important question — is he still Arsenal’s long-term right-back? While rotation options are essential, stability in key positions is just as important.
Despite his importance to the team, White will not simply walk back into the starting lineup. However, Mikel Arteta may be tempted to reintroduce him due to his chemistry with Ødegaard and particularly Saka. Both players have experienced dips in form this season, with Ødegaard in particular enduring a difficult campaign. White’s intelligent movement and combination play with the pair could help reignite their attacking impact. His overlapping runs would also provide valuable support for Saka, who has often found himself isolated and having to beat multiple defenders.
One possible solution could be to fit both Timber and White into the starting eleven. This would rely on Timber’s versatility, with the Dutchman potentially moving to left-back. For that to happen, Myles Lewis-Skelly would need to shift into midfield, a position many believe suits his long-term development. While the idea is plausible on paper, it would require a tactical reshuffle that Mikel Arteta may be reluctant to make.
Personally, I believe Timber has the edge as the long-term option at right-back — but we will have to wait and see how things unfold next season.
Between the two of them, who would be the better fit tactically in the long term? Thoughts are much appreciated below.
BENJAMIN KENNETH
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I will choose Timber because the first work of a defender is to defend, then attack is second.
It’s interesting because we need 2 quality players in every position so healthy rotation be done to avoid injuries.
Timber appears to be more reliable than White, his high level consistent performances has earned him the starter position for RB.
White is a very skillful player who defends well but sometimes looks shaky when faced with some tricky wingers. His strength lies more with the chemistry between BS7 and MØ8.
It is a blessing to have both players and depending on the opposition, Timber and White can rotate.
Also, if Saliba goes to RM, White can return to partnering Gabriel Maghales in the heart of defence while Timber can cement the RB position.
Timber is a better one on one defender. In certain attacking scenarios White is better.
Speculating about what to do if Saliba were to go RM is rather redundant at this point.
Saliba already mentioned that RM are the only team he would consider if he were to leave Arsenal. Has Saliba signed a contract extension with Arsenal? It would be naive to think Saliba will not consider his future away from Arsenal if we go trophyless again.
Furthermore RM may be banking on Saliba winding down his contract so that they can snap him up for free just like they did with TAA of Liverpool.
Agreed, but Saliba’s ship to Real Madrid seems to have sailed after the Spanish giant recruited Dean Huijsen
And White is too small to replace Saliba. Remember about his struggles in aerial duels when he played CB
A matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’
We need them both, they are two very good defenders in their own right, we wouldn’t like it any other way.
One must not forget Ben White formed a solid partnership at the back with Magahlase prior to Saliba inclusion.
Arsenal is acting like a big club of which they are.
Timber was bought to play RB.
Reggie
£50m then seems a lot of money for White who I think has been excellent. Not saying that Timber is a slouch either. What do you envisage will happen when next season, White returns to full fitness?
Timber was bought as our RB. Originally Arteta wanted White who he knows can cover (at RB) as a CB again. What he is thinking now, I haven’t a scooby. Timber is a better RB in my opinion.
I love Timber but White is still a better option , he makes Odegaard and Saka better with his overlaps , he also is a reliable defender and I like his crosses better than Timber’s .
I don’t see White as a starter anymore, rather a good and versatile squad player for our defence. He will still get many minutes. I see Timber superior in most parts of the game, and especially for our style of football.
Strength in depth is needed if we are to be successful.I expect Tomi and perhaps Kwior to move on shortly which would leave the injury prone Calafiori as back up for Gabriel and the left back role.Its a pity we seem to have lost out on Huijsen as he is equally adept at right or left centre back but if Kwior stays we can focus our budget spend on areas which need strengthening.
Tbh Timber is a complete fotballer.. he can play lb, cb, rb DM, cm and probably ml and mr, as a winger i guess not or a striker but, timber is pure quality. Ben white is awesome to, but in my wiev Tinber is better.
Rotate the two of them:
– White against teams that play the low block against Arsenal, and
– Timber against the really quality teams who play to win
That way you keep both of them fresh if they avoid injuries
I am surprised Ben White hasn’t asked to leave the club to resurrect his career as a Centreback elsewhere.
We could do a lot with another 40M. Talk about a win win situation. This could be a big one.
I’m wondering why he needs to resurrect his career. White has been injured off and on before having an operation this season and still doesn’t look up to speed. I think he is an important player. You obviously think he’s worth less than his purchase price
Purchase price for me is not that important. 40M for a player we bought over 4 years ago for 50M would be decent return.
Ben White has so much potential as a starting centreback. Do you think he would be happy sitting on the bench behind our first choice rightback Timber?
“Win win” just to weaken our defense? Makes no sense.
Although I like both, for me Timber edges it on his one on one defending. He rarely gets the runaround by the said player down his side. On occasion yes, but overall I think he should be the first choice. But that’s not to say that White shouldn’t get his fare share of minutes with the need for rotation these days.
A lot of games to play and a lot of positions to cover across the back for both guys. Having both around shouldn’t be seen as a “problem” because we need it so we can achieve our aims.
Vamos, exactly. We need a strong squad, no way we should be selling players like Ben White.
Agree! Someone suggested that and then claimed “Ben white has so much potential as a starting center back” when in fact thats what we need from the bench, just like Kiwior. I’m sure they will still complain about squad depth or claim injuries to key players are an excuse whenever we fall short.
Both are quality, regardless of who starts they will both valuable for next season. The only talk I have with White is an extension to his contract. Successful Clubs need a choice of quality players in every position.
For me , in order to retain both in a match, Timber can be played in the defensive midfield. With his style of play and resilience under pressure, I think he’s natural replacement for Party in that midfield.