Several Arsenal stars were in action on international duty on Saturday night, including Jurrien Timber.
The defender returned to the international stage following his year-long absence due to suffering an ACL injury last August.
On Saturday evening, the Netherlands recorded a 5-2 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Nations League, seeing Timber make his return.
Prior to the win, the Arsenal fullback hadn’t featured on the pitch for his country since March 2023, with his cameo meaning a lot more than just a 24 minute involvement.
Jurrien Timber makes history for the Netherlands in victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina
Coming on just after the hour mark, Timber replaced Manchester City’s Nathan Ake to play a part in the Netherlands’ win.
By coming on for Ronald Koeman’s side, the 23-year-old competed at international level for the first time in over a year although, the match meant far more historically as time ticked on.
In the 83rd minute, Koeman opted to bring Quinten Timber on for his second international cap, which provided a special moment for the Timber family and the history of Dutch football.
By playing alongside his twin brother, Jurrien made history alongside Quinten, being the first brothers to share the pitch for the Netherlands national team since 2003.
Frank and Ronald de Boer were the last to do so, with the Timber’s joining great company after a 21-year wait for the feat to be repeated.
Arsenal must test Timber’s versatility
It’s been a memorable year in Timber’s career for both the right and the wrong reasons, with the Arsenal ace having to overcome a lot during his first campaign in North London.
On his Premier League debut, the versatile defender hobbled off with what was later confirmed to be a season-ending ACL injury, returning to action late last term with the U21’s.
Now that the Dutchman is fit and ready to be utilised, Mikel Arteta must take advantage of the talent he has on his hands with reference to Timber’s versatility.
Arsenal signed Timber after impressing as Ajax’s centre-back, with the 23-year-old slotting into Arteta’s defence as a left-back.
Aside from playing in the back line, the Netherlands international is equipped with the experience required to play central midfield, something that the boss has recently hinted at.
Given Arsenal’s current shortages in the middle of the park, now could be the time for Arteta to trial Timber in a variety of roles, with the Dutchman’s list of transferable skills seemingly endless.
Before returning to North London, the defender will come up against Kai Havertz on international duty, as the Netherlands face Germany next.
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