This season has been filled with so many problems and disappointments that a host of us Gooners cannot wait to see the back of it. From the inconsistencies that have plagued us season long, to Injuries which have also been ever present. The negatives have been a constant burden that have derailed our season. In spite of this, it is worth noting the few positives of an otherwise forgettable campaign (fingers crossed, Madrid!). One such positive is the overall performance of Jurrien Timber this campaign.
Nothing epitomizes this more than Timber’s performance against Chelsea last time out. Despite the “Player of the Match” award going to William Saliba, Timber would’ve also been a fine pick for a really solid display. He won a match high total of 9 duels in that game as well having an 88% passing accuracy, 8 passes into the final third, 3 clearances, 2 interceptions and 6 recoveries. He was also overheard telling Enzo Maresca to “try harder” in the latter stages of the game in what would’ve definitely amused the Arsenal faithful.
That performance was a good example of how well he has played throughout the campaign. Industrious, full of energy as well as technically sound and a bit pacy too – that’s how the Dutchman will be described to someone who hasn’t watched him before, and I’m sure Gooners will agree with me. He has been that and more this season which is impressive in itself but what makes it abnormal to me is that he has been able to do it off the back of a serious injury.
After signing the versatile defender in 2023 and after a fairly impressive pre-season, Gooners were eagerly in anticipation of a first full season in England for Timber. That wasn’t to be the case however as he sustained a season ending injury just minutes into the second half of his full Premier League debut. That injury kept him out from the very first league game of last season up to the very last in which he came on against Everton.
For him to perform the way he’s done this campaign, considering the duration he was out, and the type of injury as well, is just impressive to say the least. How often have we seen players take up to months and years even to get back to peak physical condition after an injury like that? The answer is a lot! One example we will all be familiar with is Hector Bellerin. The Spaniard was never the same for the Gunners after rupturing his ACL in the beginning of 2019 and that has contributed massively in hampering the 29-year-old’s career to date.
Furthermore, looking at Timber’s performances at right-back it’s easy to forget that he was predominantly utilized as a centre-half in his Ajax days. His versatility is truly an asset!
As Ben White is eased back into the fold, I for one, am curious about who will be our main man on that side. Even though Jurrien Timber is having an amazing season, we cannot forget that the Saka-Ødegaard-White dynamic on the right has been crucial to the side in the past few seasons.
I’ll leave it to you to decide. Who should play there long term, White or Timber?
BENJAMIN KENNETH
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One of the best buys of the Arteta era.How to reintegrate Ben White is a pleasant dilemma facing our Manager ,and as I have mentioned on numerous occasions,Timber has all the qualities required of a DM where he played for Ajax occasionally.I well remember a taxi driver in Amsterdam extolling the virtues of Timber whilst ferrying me to the airport, and 3 months later he signed for Arsenal.Taxi drivers can be a font of knowledge on certain subjects including football.
Grandad,
Totally agree with your post. I can’t comment on Taxi driver football knowledge, as I don’t use them. 😂😉👍
It’s hard to imagine timber not starting in this side – he’s too good to leave out imo.
The only question is whether he moves to another position to accommodate White’s return imo. He might still be our best left back, or he could transition into midfield. I think he’s also a very good CB and could be a starter, but our current starting pair don’t need to be broken up.
And it’s return from last season’s injury has been absolutely remarkable. Thankfully he looks just as good as he was before the injury
We need to rotate the players to keep them match fit and engaged. With 38 EPL games & cup games, we cannot expect Ben or Timber to play all without the risk of an injury. Hope next season Arteta uses the talent wisely. Or else we will still fall short as is the case every season
Timber is almost unbeatable in ground duels this season, be it on the right or the left wing. His attacking abilities and decision making are fantastic as well
It’s so obvious that Timber is a very-high-level footballer. We’re so lucky to have him
His aerial duel winning rate must be great too as a fullback, but White is taller. I hope Lewis-Skelly will learn a lot from him
He’s been simply outstanding. Born leader!!!
Raya. Timber_Saliba_Gabriel. White_Odegaard_Rice_Lewis-Skelly.
Saka_Merino_Martinelli.
In a 3-4-3 we can play both Timber and White
We will require Ben and Timber both because team needs rotation and one player (Exceptions can be GK and CB) can not play each match of every competition in a season. Otherwise soon he will be in injured list.
If ever there is a case of choice then Timber should be always 1st choice.
You watch him playing and instantly you will find his control on ball, Intelligence, correct decision making, physicality (He can beat players taller than him) are very good. Currently he is one of the best in EPL.
Forget about just RB. he can be very good player for any position apart from frontline (may be he can shine there also)
I have seen rarely a new player from different league coming to EPL and playing so well with confidence from 1st game.
The White, Odegaard, Saka combination was key to the quality and performances during the two previous seasons. Timber is a quality player but I would use him on the left hand side or possibly as a defensive midfielder, Arteta needs to sort out the left hand side and Timber would be a start. Further forward Martinelli needs to up his game – too inconsistant ! and more than anything else we need a top quality centre forward. So pleeze Arteta start looking now and dont wait until July!!!