Jurrien Timber and what he will bring to Arteta’s side
Reports are suggesting that Jurrien Timber will be fit and back to play after the international break. If true, this is a massive boost for Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal squad after losing him due to an ACL injury for almost the whole season.
Timber was bought in the summer from Ajax and picked up a very early injury against Nottingham Forest and had to have surgery. After such a long time without him after just signing him, I’m sure not many people know what he has to offer and what type of player we will be getting, but for someone who watched him at Ajax and in our pre-season like myself, I can assure you, he’s going to fit right in and will be a player who can make a huge impact.
Timber is a versatile defender when at Ajax played Centre back for the Dutch side, playing under the now Manchester United manager, Erik Ten Hag. He was a huge part of Ajax’s team and was a massive loss for them when he decided to sign for Arsenal. He has a lot of great qualities, and under the right manager like Arteta, he will not doubt shine.
He may be on the shorter side but he’s very good in the air and has a great eye for defending the ball. He’s the type of player who can break through the lines and bring the ball forward with composure and skill, but also knows how to step back and observe what’s around him.
He will most likely play as a right back for Arsenal as we do have very heavy competition in the centre, but with his versatility, he will be able to offer Arteta a few options on where he can play if need be.
He’s a very good passer or the ball and uses width around the pitch to create space for himself and his teammates. He’s always been a very vocal player and will not be afraid to show leadership and try keep the backline in check. He’s almost as good off the ball as he is on it, and always seems to be able to run into spaces and create spaces for his teammates.
He’s obviously a good tackler and uses his body, although on the smaller side, to get between him and opponent and the ball, giving himself or his teammates more time to recover or figure out the next pass forward. He will always put in 100% on the pitch and wears his heart on his sleeve.
If what’s being said is true and he does come back after the international break, it will be a big boost for Arteta as we are set to face a lot of important games in the rest of the season and with injuries always a possibility, he gives us a sense of depth and another option in the defensive line.
He’s a great player and I was very happy when we signed him, it was a shame that he got such a bad injury so early but Arsenal have given him the time and support to come back, hopefully stronger than ever.
What’s your thoughts Gooners?
Daisy Mae
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I see him playing a part in the Luton game maybe as a late sub, city game will still be too early for him to be played considering how high the tempo of that game will be played will be like a final.
When he is fully match fit I can see him being used as a DM as he is comfortable on the ball,adept at spotting danger and has the pace to win second balls.I suspect Partey will leave at the end of the season and Timber who cost us around 40m I think could be tried in the “Roddrie” role and effectively save us a pile of money.It will be difficult for him to displace any of our current back four who are doing so well but let’s hope the young Dutchman makes a big impact wherever he is played.
That would resolve a massive, and potentially very expensive midfield problem Grandad.
Timber will play as a left back and bush as a left side centre back while white will be use as an inverted right back next season so don’t expect Timber to be playing as a DM,Zinchenko will probably be Jorginhos replacement so expect Zinchenkos role to change from next season he will be playing as a CM.
Agree with your thoughts on timber – he’s got some qualities for a DM (covers the ground well, good tackler, good close control – not unlike rice TBF, smaller but a bit better in tight spaces), but we really need a player who can pass the ball in there to partner rice, a playmaker. This is why jorginho has made a difference recently, and why we missed partey before jorginho started planning regularly. I agree timber is likely to play left back next season if he can get back to fitness/form – it’s where he started the season and I’ve no doubt he’d be our starting lb right now had it but been for his unfortunate injury.
I’d like to see zinchenko tried in midfield, but I’m not convinced he will be, or that he’d be a great success there (though I hope I’m wrong, and I could be, particularly on the latter remark) – I think he might end up being a back up left back next season and leaving either in January or the summer of 2025.
@Granddad that may be tough. I guess Kiwior will return as a backup for Gabriel in Central Defence Timber would most likely play inverted left back. White will compete with Tomiyasu. Lokonga is playing well at Luton on loan he may be handed Pathey role but won’t be an upgrade. I think Arsenal would buy another midfielder Pathey will most likely leave because of his injury concern.
Can’t wait to see him in action again. Vamos Jurrien!
I think kiwior’s form has been a godsend. I expect him to remain our starting lb until the end of the season, and his reliable quality will allow us to test timber and ease him back into the side over the course of next season. Timber, at his best, has qualities kiwior can’t compete with at lb imo, but jk has proven himself a reliable fullback, and I don’t think anyone would have a problem with him playing cb – as cover for Gabriel and I believe he will offer genuine competition for that position in the future.
He is definitely not going to play RB as that position is locked down by White. He will most likely play LB. With Kiwier doing great in that position, it will take time for Timber to be a regular starter again. I also doubt if Arteta will start him right away considering his long lay off due to injury and will ease him gradually into the squad. Anyway, it will give Arsenal great depth in the squad going into the really difficult and important part of the season.