Arsenal defender slammed by Dutch legend following Franz Beckenbauer comparisons

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Dutch legend Willem van Hanegem has been discussing the recent performances of one of Arsenal’s defenders, and his comments could worry Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners have been formidable in defence this season, conceding just five times in 11 Premier League matches.

Before the 2-2 draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, Arsenal had gone 13 hours without letting in a goal across all competitions.

Arsenal’s defence has been superb this season; however, one of their top players has been slammed for his performances on international duty.

Willem van Hanegem slams Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber

Willem van Hanegem has been rather critical of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber following his display for the Netherlands.

Ronald Koeman’s team were held to a 1-1 draw with Poland during World Cup qualifying, leaving their spot at next summer’s tournament in some doubt.

Timber was embarrassed by Robert Lewandowski during the match as the Barcelona striker drew him out to set up the hosts’ only goal.

Holland host Lithuania on Monday evening, and they need to match Poland’s result at Malta to secure their spot at the World Cup.

Timber has been excellent for Arsenal and the Netherlands this season, leading to him being nicknamed the ‘next Franz Beckenbauer’.

Van Hanegem has quickly moved to quash those dramatic comparisons, telling AD: “Jurrien Timber is a fine player, but based on matches against Malta and Finland, people thought we had the next Franz Beckenbauer.

“Timber easily allowed Robert Lewandowski to provide the assist for the 1-0. He should have been grateful that Bart Verbruggen saved him from a chance, because he wasn’t very decisive there either.

“That’s probably what Stefan de Vrij thinks in Milan. Koeman reworked that team after the European Championship, but our best player from that tournament was the only one he substituted.

“Timber is really a weaker defender, Jan Paul van Hecke is too often too wild, and Matthijs de Ligt has been that way his entire career.”

Mikel Arteta should take note of Jurrien Timber’s different role for the Netherlands

Mikel Arteta should take note of Timber’s different role for the Netherlands as he prepares for life without the injured Gabriel Magalhaes for some time.

The Spanish manager will need to replace the Brazilian in central defence, and the Dutch international could be the ideal replacement.

Timber has been playing as a centre-back for Holland, partnering Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and forcing Micky van de Ven to start as a left-back.

He could now be moved there for the Gunners in the North London derby, with perhaps Ben White returning to right-back.