‘A soldier…’ Erik ten Hag reveals what he spotted from Jurrien Timber during Arsenal vs Real Madrid

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Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was singing Jurrien Timber’s praises after Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid.

Before the game, Timber was singled out by Bukayo Saka and Mikel Arteta for the incredible versatility he offers. 

After the game, the Dutchman received similar praise, locking down Vinicius Junior to limit Real Madrid’s threat.

Timber reduced Vinicius Junior to an unwanted record, as the Brazilian failed to complete a single dribble against Arsenal, in what was a remarkable performance from Arteta’s right-back. 

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Erik ten Hag identified Jurrien Timber’s key strength in Real Madrid win 

All eyes were on Timber as the match kicked off, as the Netherlands international was presented with the task of keeping one of the world’s best wingers quiet for 90 minutes. 

Fortunately for Arsenal, the 2023 signing passed with flying colours, with his performance applauded by one of his biggest admirers.

Watching the game unfold was Erik ten Hag, Timber’s former manager at Ajax and the boss who was desperate to sign the 23-year-old at Manchester United before he joined Arsenal. 

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Ten Hag made his thoughts on Timber clear, admitting that the defender’s success in North London is unsurprising. 

“This season I have been able to watch a lot of Arsenal games, so Jurrien’s leading role does not surprise me,” he said, before explaining what makes the fullback so special.

“You can send Timber, both Timbers by the way, on an errand, Jurrien is a soldier. Ruthless and he knows that in top football it is ‘eat or be eaten’. That’s how he sees it. He is proactive, he doesn’t wait.”

Ten Hag applauded how ‘proactive’ Timber is in his game, a trait that allowed him to lock down Real Madrid before danger struck.

The former Man United boss also tipped his hat to Timber’s brother, Quinten, who represents Feyenoord and the Dutch national team.

Ten Hag backs Timber to fulfill leadership role at Arsenal 

It’s difficult to believe that Timber is still only 23, given the maturity that the defender plays with. 

While the Dutchman is one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers, Ten Hag believes there’s more to come from his former player.

“I am happy with how Jurrien is manifesting himself at Arsenal. He has become a permanent force. And I am sure that he will slowly take on a leading role.”

Timber describes himself as a natural leader, which is an interesting narrative for Arteta to explore in the future, with few players as calm and composed as the fullback on the pitch.

Could Arsenal one day look at Timber as a possible captain? Ten Hag certainly thinks so, with the former manager bursting with pride as his Ajax prodigy dominated Real Madrid.